The incredible save by the goalkeeper sent Mourinho's Benfica past Real into the playoffs

It was a clash already steeped in narrative: two men who had once shared a mentor-student relationship—José Mourinho and Álvaro Arbeloa—facing off, with Arbeloa playing under Mourinho at Real Madrid years ago. Last night’s fixture between Benfica and Real Madrid did not disappoint in delivering drama and unexpected twists. In a last-gasp moment that stunned the Estádio da Luz, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin scored a decisive goal. That single strike not only saved Benfica from elimination but also propelled Real Madrid into the play-off round of the Champions League.

The match itself had seen Real Madrid trail in Lisbon, ultimately losing 4-2 to Benfica. On the same evening, other European heavyweights—Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, and Manchester City—secured victories. The defeat left Real Madrid in ninth place at the conclusion of the group stage, forcing them into a two-legged knockout play-off. Benfica, meanwhile, despite having to contest two extra matches, can approach them with confidence, as qualification was perilously close to slipping away.

Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, had never previously beaten his former club since leaving them. However, from the outset, his side applied pressure and set the tone of the match. Real Madrid, reigning European champions from the previous season, carved out opportunities and took the lead in the 30th minute through Kylian Mbappé’s header. Benfica responded almost immediately. Andreas Skeldrup advanced with the ball, and Raúl Asensio, assigned to mark him, slipped, allowing Skeldrup to slot the ball into Real Madrid’s net.

Moments before half-time, Benfica won a penalty after Nicolás Otamendi was fouled during a corner. Vangelis Pavlidis, who had previously failed to secure victory for his side despite a hat-trick against Barcelona in last year’s Champions League group stage, converted the penalty to give Benfica the lead.

The second half saw Real dominate possession, but they struggled to find an equaliser. Benfica doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Skeldrup scored again from Pavlidis’s assist. Mbappé pulled one back for Real in the 58th minute, netting his second of the season and taking his tally to 12 goals.

Tensions escalated in the closing stages. Real Madrid were reduced to nine men after red cards for Asensio and Rodrygo. Yet Benfica faced the risk of missing out on the knockout stage themselves, as Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt had defeated Atlético Madrid, threatening Benfica’s top-24 standing. It was then that the pivotal free-kick arrived. In injury time, Trubin surged into the opposition box and headed the ball into the net, sending the stadium into euphoria. That moment not only secured Benfica’s advancement but also guaranteed Real Madrid a place in the play-offs.

The result ensures extra matches for Real Madrid, while Benfica can approach the next round with a boost in confidence, knowing that if they meet Real again, last night’s drama will serve as motivation for Mourinho’s side.

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