Real Madrid will have to take the long route to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League after suffering a dramatic 4–2 defeat to SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz. In one of the most unforgettable nights of this season’s competition, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the 98th minute to seal a historic victory and book Benfica’s place in the UCL play-offs, while condemning the 14-time champions to a ninth-place finish in the league phase.
First Meeting Since 1965 – Benfica Show No Mercy
This was the first competitive meeting between Benfica and Real Madrid since 1965, but there was no room for nostalgia in Lisbon. Benfica, needing a win to survive, started aggressively and nearly took the lead inside seven minutes when a corner caused chaos in Madrid’s box.
The hosts thought they had earned a penalty after Jude Bellingham brought down Gianluca Prestianni, but VAR intervened and overturned the decision. Benfica, however, kept pushing and were unlucky not to score when Prestianni’s curling effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Thibaut Courtois.
Mbappé Opens the Scoring – But Benfica Strike Back
Against the run of play, Real Madrid took the lead in the 30th minute. A precise cross from Raúl Asencio found Kylian Mbappé at the back post, and the French superstar made no mistake, heading home to become the first scorer in this historic head-to-head since Ferenc Puskás.
The lead lasted just seven minutes.
Benfica responded immediately when Vangelis Pavlidis burst through Madrid’s defence and crossed for Andreas Schjelderup, who nodded past Courtois. The Portuguese giants then went ahead just before halftime after Aurélien Tchouaméni conceded a penalty, which Pavlidis calmly converted.
Schjelderup Shines, Mbappé Responds Again
Benfica started the second half at full speed and were rewarded with a stunning team goal. A flowing move from deep saw Schjelderup cut inside from the left and beat Courtois at his near post to make it 3–1.
Once again, Real Madrid fought back. Just four minutes later, Mbappé completed his brace with a composed finish after brilliant link-up play from Arda Güler. At 3–2, the game was wide open.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy as chances fell at both ends, with Trubin denying Güler and Bellingham, while Courtois made crucial saves to keep Madrid alive.
Red Cards and a Goalkeeper’s Dream Finish
Madrid’s night went from bad to worse in added time. Asencio was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, and Rodrygo followed shortly after with two bookings in quick succession, leaving Los Blancos with just nine men.
Then came the moment that will be remembered for decades.
With the final seconds ticking away, Benfica won a free-kick and sent everyone forward – including goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The Ukrainian rose highest and powered a header into the net in the 98th minute, sending the Estádio da Luz into chaos.
A goalkeeper scoring to eliminate Real Madrid from the top eight? Football simply doesn’t get more dramatic than this.
What It Means for Both Teams
Benfica’s victory sees them finish 24th and secure a place in the UCL play-offs, keeping their European dream alive.
For Real Madrid, the defeat drops them to ninth place, meaning they must now go through the knockout play-off round – an unexpected and risky path for the most successful club in Champions League history.
Bangbet Prediction and Betting Insight
With Real Madrid now heading into the UCL play-offs, expect intense, high-pressure matches where anything can happen. Based on current form, Bangbet predicts:
Real Madrid to qualify from the play-offs, but not without a fight.
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Final Thoughts
Benfica vs Real Madrid delivered everything fans love about football – goals, drama, controversy, red cards, and a goalkeeper’s fairytale finish. Trubin’s 98th-minute header will go down as one of the greatest moments in Champions League history, while Real Madrid is left to regroup and prepare for a dangerous play-off journey.
One thing is certain: this UCL season is far from predictable – and that’s exactly what makes it unmissable.
