Benfica Triumph as Goalkeeper Trubin’s Stoppage-Time Header Dumps Real Madrid Out of Champions League Top Eight

Key Takeaways:

• Benfica claimed a dramatic 4-2 home victory over Real Madrid in the final eighth round of the Champions League main phase
• Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-second headed goal secured Benfica’s progression to the playoffs at the expense of Marseille
• Following a ninth-place finish, Real Madrid will contest the playoffs to reach the round of 16

Match Analysis: Benfica Outshine Real Madrid in Lisbon Rain

Benfica produced a spectacular performance at Estádio da Luz, overcoming Real Madrid 4-2 in a match charged with late drama and high stakes. José Mourinho’s side outclassed their visitors for much of the contest, as the Spanish giants struggled to match the intensity, ultimately finishing ninth in the table and forced into the playoffs to target a round of 16 berth.

The decisive moment arrived in dramatic fashion. With the score at 3-2 in the dying seconds, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin came forward for a set piece and sensationally headed past Thibaut Courtois, clinching the crucial fourth goal which secured Benfica’s passage to the next stage and left Marseille eliminated.

IT'S DONE!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/BmtcsW4hHj

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) January 28, 2026

First Half: Flurry of Goals and VAR Drama

The hosts nearly broke the deadlock early on, as Tomás Araújo went close following a corner and a deflection, only for Courtois to watch the ball roll narrowly wide. Benfica maintained the upper hand, and the crowd erupted in the 16th minute when Davide Massa pointed to the penalty spot for Jude Bellingham’s challenge on Gianluca Prestianni, though the VAR overturned the decision as Bellingham had touched the ball first. Prestianni threatened again minutes later, but Courtois produced a fine save to push the ball onto the bar.

Real’s first clear chance arrived in the 25th minute via Arda Güler’s long-range effort, and moments later, they struck. Raul Asencio delivered a precise cross, leaving Kylian Mbappé unmarked to head home for a 1-0 Los Blancos advantage. Asencio nearly doubled the lead with a header, prompting an alert stop from Trubin.

Benfica responded almost immediately. Vangelis Pavlidis surged down the right before picking out Andreas Schjelderup, whose header found the net through Courtois’ legs for 1-1. The Portuguese pressed for more, creating further opportunities, with Valverde clearing Schjelderup’s attempt off the line and Barreiro missing a headed chance from the ensuing corner. Amar Dedić also tested Courtois, but it was first-half stoppage time that proved pivotal. Aurélien Tchouaméni fouled Nicolás Otamendi in the box, and this time the penalty stood. Pavlidis duly converted, sending Courtois the wrong way for a 2-1 Benfica lead at the interval.

Second Half: Swings in Momentum and Late Drama

The restart saw Real push forward, but Vinicius headed wide. Benfica quickly regained control, and in the 54th minute, Schjelderup netted his second of the night after charging through the defence, making it 3-1. Real responded within four minutes as Mbappé grabbed his second, assisted by Güler, bringing the deficit back to one.

Both sides traded errant shots – Bellingham off target for Real and Sudakov for Benfica. Courtois was again called into action in the 73rd minute to keep out Prestianni, while Trubin did well to deny Güler and Rodrygo. Benfica squandered a further opportunity to wrap up proceedings in the 84th, with Barreiro’s close-range attempt kept out by Courtois.

The closing stages became increasingly frenetic, as Raul Asencio received his marching orders following a second yellow card, swiftly followed by substitute Rodrygo, dismissed for two rapid-fire cautions.

Then came the pivotal moment. Deep in stoppage time, Anatoliy Trubin advanced for a free kick and, unmarked, powered a header past Courtois, sparking wild celebrations and sealing Benfica’s 4-2 win. That goal secured their place in the playoffs at the expense of rivals Marseille.

Statistical and Historical Notes

This meeting marked the first official encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid since the 1960s, with Benfica now boasting three wins and one defeat in the head-to-head, dating back to the 1961/62 European Cup final that finished 5-3 to the Portuguese side. The “Eagles” had lost their last three European matches against Spanish opposition, while Real Madrid had been unbeaten in ten Champions League outings against Portuguese teams; both records were brought to an abrupt halt with this result.

Line-Ups and Tactical Choices

José Mourinho was compelled to make do without Richard Ríos, Alexander Bah, and Dodi Lukebakio through injury. Vangelis Pavlidis spearheaded the attack, with support from Gianluca Prestianni, Georgiy Sudakov, and Andreas Schjelderup in the advanced roles.

Álvaro Arbeloa, missing Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy, made just one alteration from the team that defeated Villarreal 2-0: Aurélien Tchouaméni started in midfield in place of Eduardo Camavinga, alongside Arda Güler, with Jude Bellingham positioned further forward behind Mastantuono, Mbappé, and Vinicius Júnior.

Potential Playoff Rematch

Looking ahead, Real Madrid may soon face Benfica again in the playoffs, with Bodø/Glimt also a possible opponent. José Mourinho is guaranteed to face a former side, as Inter represent the other option in the draw.