Benfica Stuns Real Madrid 4-2: Goalkeeper Trubin Scores in 98th-Minute Champions League Miracle
By SportSphere24 Editorial Team | Jan 29, 2026
LISBON — In a night that defied logic and shattered brackets, S.L. Benfica (24th place) secured their Champions League survival in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Match Summary: The Trubin Miracle
Entering the final matchday of the league phase, Jose Mourinho’s Benfica needed a win and a specific goal count to avoid elimination. They didn't just meet the requirement; they produced a moment of folklore.
Final Score: Benfica 4, Real Madrid 2
The Hero: Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin (90'+8' Header)
The Villain: Real Madrid’s discipline (Two Red Cards)
2026 UCL Scoreboard: Benfica vs. Real Madrid
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final |
| Benfica | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Real Madrid | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Goal Scorers:
Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé (30', 58')
Benfica: Andreas Schjelderup (36', 54'), Vangelis Pavlidis (45'+5' P), Anatoliy Trubin (90'+8')
Key Tactical Takeaways
1. The Nine-Man Meltdown
Real Madrid, usually the masters of European composure, saw their defense disintegrate under the pouring rain at the Estádio da Luz.
Raul Asencio was sent off in the 91st minute after a second yellow card.
Rodrygo followed him to the dressing room in the 97th minute, leaving Madrid defenseless for the final set piece.
2. Mourinho’s Masterclass vs. Arbeloa
Jose Mourinho, facing his former club, outmaneuvered Alvaro Arbeloa’s side by exploiting the wings. Andreas Schjelderup was the standout performer, netting a brace and terrorizing the Madrid flanks.
3. The Goal Heard 'Round the World
With Benfica leading 3-2 and seconds remaining, they were still technically headed for elimination on goal difference.
Post-Match Statistics
| Statistic | Benfica | Real Madrid |
| Possession | 33% | 67% |
| Shots on Target | 12 | 6 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Big Chances Created | 5 | 2 |