Late drama sees Benfica stay alive in the Champions League
Benfica 4 - 2 Real Madrid
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored an extraordinary 98th-minute equaliser to propel José Mourinho’s Benfica into the Champions League play-offs after a remarkable victory.
Author | Ed
Stadium | Estádio da Luz
The defeat leaves the Spanish giants facing the play-off round themselves, having slipped from third to ninth following their loss at the Estádio da Luz. There remains a strong possibility the two sides will meet again, with Benfica also required to negotiate the additional knockout stage.
For a long moment it appeared Benfica would be eliminated in the cruellest fashion, heading out on goals scored despite leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time. One final free-kick, however, offered a last lifeline. Trubin was sent forward and the Ukrainian goalkeeper timed his run impeccably, powering a header beyond Thibaut Courtois to ignite rapturous scenes in Lisbon.
The win was Mourinho’s first against his former club and ensured Benfica progressed despite losing their opening four matches of the league phase.
A closer analysis of what happened and the impact of all this drama
Benfica had been the sharper side for much of the contest, creating a succession of chances and seeing a penalty overturned by the video assistant referee before falling behind to a Kylian Mbappé header.
The hosts responded swiftly, drawing level six minutes later when Vangelis Pavlidis capitalised on a slip from Raúl Asencio to cross for Andreas Schjelderup, who nodded in from close range.
Mourinho’s side continued to cut through Madrid with ease and went ahead on the stroke of half-time, Pavlidis converting from the spot after Nicolás Otamendi went down under a challenge from Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Benfica extended their advantage soon after the interval, Schjelderup afforded far too much space inside the area before beating Courtois at his near post.
Mbappé reduced the deficit moments later with a composed finish, his 13th Champions League goal of the campaign, to set up a tense closing spell. Chances followed at both ends before Asencio was dismissed for a second booking in the 92nd minute. Matters worsened for Madrid when substitute Rodrygo was shown two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession, leaving the visitors with nine men.
Even then, the night still had one final twist. With Madrid finishing ninth and Benfica scraping through in 24th, there is now a strong chance the two sides will be drawn together again in the play-off round.
