Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning header in the 98th minute as Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 on Wednesday. The result kept Benfica alive in the UEFA Champions League and denied Real Madrid an automatic place in the last 16.
Benfica led 3-2 deep into stoppage time but were still on the brink of elimination. With seconds left, Trubin went up for a free kick. He met the cross with a firm header and scored the goal Benfica needed to move into the playoff round on goal difference.
The goal sparked wild scenes at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon. Players and fans erupted. Head coach Jose Mourinho, a former Real Madrid boss, joined the celebrations on the touchline.
Real Madrid hoped to finish in the top eight and go straight into the last 16. Their 15 points from eight matches were not enough. They ended the match with nine players after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off.
Andreas Schjelderup scored twice for Benfica. Vangelis Pavlidis added a goal from the penalty spot. Kylian Mbappe scored both goals for Real Madrid in a fast and open game.
Benfica advanced at the expense of Marseille, who lost 3-0 at Club Brugge. The stadium screen in Belgium briefly congratulated both teams on qualifying. That message proved wrong minutes later when Trubin changed the table.
Both teams pushed hard in the closing minutes. Each needed one goal for different reasons. The match showed how one moment can reshape a competition.
Real Madrid took the lead after 30 minutes. Mbappe headed in at the back post after an Asencio cross. Benfica hit back six minutes later. Asencio slipped on the wet surface. Pavlidis crossed and Schjelderup headed home.
Benfica went ahead in first half added time. Aurelien Tchouameni pulled Nicolas Otamendi in the box. Pavlidis scored the penalty.
Schjelderup made it 3-1 after the break with a calm finish from another Pavlidis pass. Mbappe then struck again to cut the gap. It was his 36th goal of the season in all competitions.
Benfica were still outside the top 24 when they won a final free kick. Fredrik Aursnes delivered the ball. Trubin rose highest and headed in to seal a dramatic night in Lisbon.
