Benfica Goalkeeper Scores Late Winner, Sending Real Madrid to Champions League Playoff

The Estádio da Luz witnessed a historic night in the UEFA Champions League. Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4–2 on Matchday 8 of the league phase in a finish few could have imagined. Anatoliy Trubin, the Portuguese club’s goalkeeper, rose to score a dramatic header in the 90+8th minute, altering the course of the tournament.

The goalkeeper’s goal sparked total euphoria in Lisbon. Benfica went from the brink of elimination to securing a place in the Top 24 with the very last play, while Real Madrid dropped out of the Top 8 and were forced into the playoff round for the second consecutive season.

From the opening whistle, Benfica set the tempo with intensity and aggression. The Portuguese side attacked down the flanks and repeatedly tested Thibaut Courtois, who was forced into several key saves. Prestianni and Sudakov created constant danger as Madrid struggled defensively.

Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 30th minute through a Kylian Mbappé header, briefly silencing the crowd. However, Benfica maintained its pressure, and the home side’s dominance suggested the match was far from decided.

Benfica equalized through Schjelderup and completed the comeback before halftime with a penalty converted by Pavlidis. The hosts went into the break in front, with the stadium fully energized and the scoreline reflecting their attacking momentum.

In the second half, Schjelderup struck again to make it 3–1, only for Mbappé to respond with his second goal of the night, cutting the deficit to 3–2. The match descended into chaos, with chances at both ends and crucial saves from Trubin, who was already proving decisive.

The closing minutes pushed the drama to the limit. Asencio was sent off, leaving Real Madrid with ten men, and Benfica threw everything forward. Stoppage time stretched on, and the crowd urged every ball into the Madrid box.

Then, in the 90+8th minute, the unthinkable happened. Trubin joined the attack on a corner kick and powered home a header to seal the 4–2 victory. A goalkeeper’s goal, a historic qualification, and an unforgettable Champions League night in Lisbon.