Key Takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappé surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League group stage goal record by reaching 13 goals during the away fixture against Benfica
- Real Madrid fell 2-4 to Benfica at Estádio da Luz, with the Portuguese side sealing victory after a remarkable turnaround and a late goal by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin
- Following this loss, Real Madrid finished ninth in the group stage standings and now face additional playoffs to reach the Round of 16
Mbappé Breaks Group Stage Goals Record
Kylian Mbappé entered the clash away to Benfica with his name already level alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 11 goals in a single Champions League group stage, a landmark set by the Portuguese legend during the 2015/16 season. By netting twice in Lisbon, Mbappé established a new benchmark of 13 goals, solidifying his place as the competition’s all-time top scorer at this stage. Remarkably, he achieved this feat in only seven matches, having missed one game earlier in the campaign due to injury.
🚨 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗: Kylian Mbappé becomes the FIRST PLAYER IN HISTORY to score 13 goals in the Champions League group stage. 😱🔥
✅ 41 GOALS THIS SEASON
✅ 13 GOALS IN 7 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHESHe’s on course to break Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for goals in a single campaign! 🤯… pic.twitter.com/7lcBy6olyt
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) January 29, 2026
Match Analysis: Benfica’s Dramatic Comeback
While Mbappé celebrated a personal milestone, Real Madrid’s evening was overshadowed by disappointment. Despite an eventful and emotional contest, the Spanish side succumbed to a 2-4 defeat at Estádio da Luz. The match was marked by momentum swings and dramatic incidents, culminating in added time when Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin ventured forward for a corner and scored with a header, sealing the final result at 4-2. This stunning final act left Real Madrid without a response as Benfica completed their comeback in front of their home support.
Implications for Real Madrid and Next Steps
This defeat meant Real Madrid concluded the group stage campaign in ninth place, thereby requiring them to progress through additional playoffs to earn a place in the Champions League Round of 16. Despite the setback, hopes at the club remain high that Mbappé’s prolific scoring form could prove instrumental in the forthcoming knockout fixtures. The French forward is now setting his sights on yet another record – the most goals in a single Champions League season – as his extraordinary run continues to capture the footballing world’s attention.
