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Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 as Anatoliy Trubin scored a last-minute goal, sending José Mourinho and fans into a frenzy, and secured Champions League play-off qualification.
Benfica scripted a night for the ages, upsetting Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League (AFP, AP)
The Estadio da Luz lived up to its name on a breathless Champions League night as Benfica produced one of the most dramatic wins of the 2025-26 group-stage semifinals, beating Real Madrid 4-2 in extraordinary fashion.
Knowing they needed a two-goal victory to keep their European hopes alive in the expanded 36-team format, Benfica left nothing on the pitch — and got their miracle in the most unlikely way imaginable.
Real Madrid struck first through Kylian Mbappe, threatening to kill the contest early. But Benfica responded with grit and belief — as Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis dragged the hosts back level.
Then came the moment that will live forever in Lisbon folklore.
In the 98th minute, with Benfica still needing one more goal, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sprinted forward for a set piece.
The towering Ukrainian rose above everyone and powered a header into the net. Chaos followed. Benfica had their two-goal win. Qualification was secured.
The stadium erupted — but the cameras found José Mourinho.
In scenes befitting the occasion, the Benfica manager sprinted down the touchline, leapt into the arms of a ball boy, and celebrated wildly before turning to salute the roaring crowd.
Ball boy celebrating Benfica‘s last minute goal against Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho. We love football for the moments like this. 😂 pic.twitter.com/VFPhTqDue1— ????????????????????? (@fitbaa) January 28, 2026
Afterwards, Mourinho was still soaking it all in.
“It’s normal for me to be emotional. I think it was deserved,” he said. “For Benfica, it’s incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid. For the players, for the club, it’s something fantastic.”
“When I made the last changes, I was told [that] is enough, so let’s close the door… Then they tell me we need one more goal, but I cannot make more changes.” 😱José Mourinho reflects on the madness of Benfica’s insane finish as they qualify for the #UCL knockout playoffs 😅 pic.twitter.com/qoIa7Iet8N
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 28, 2026
Mourinho admitted he hadn’t initially realised 3-2 wouldn’t be enough.
“When I was told we needed one more goal, honestly I was upset,” he laughed. “I was thinking, ‘Why was I not told a few seconds before?’”
It was Trubin’s first goal in professional football, but not a complete surprise to his manager.
“We knew he could do it,” Mourinho insisted. “He almost scored a few weeks ago. The big guy is capable.”
Jose Mourinho:“I used to say for me everything is dejavu, but this time it’s the first time…” Even Jose hasn’t witnessed something like Benfica’s last minute scenes… 🎬💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/gtYT7RYPE4
— Goals Side (@goalsside) January 29, 2026
On a night of pride, chaos and pure Mourinho theatre, Benfica etched their names into the annals of Champions League history.
January 29, 2026, 5:52 PM IST
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