José Mourinho and Benfica orchestrated one of the most memorable Champions League victories in the club’s history, with a 4-2 triumph over Real Madrid sealed by the most unlikely of heroes—their goalkeeper.
Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica‘s shot-stopper, had already delivered a commanding performance between the posts before his unprecedented 98th-minute goalie goal sent the Portuguese side into the knockout phase play-offs.
With Los Blancos reduced to nine men and time running out, Mourinho made the audacious call to send his keeper forward for one final attacking opportunity.
Trubin’s Complete Performance
The Ukrainian’s contribution extended far beyond his sensational diving header. Throughout the match, Anatoliy Trubin’s style of play was on full display—commanding his area, making crucial saves from Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham, and showing exceptional reflexes to deny Raúl Asencio’s header that led directly to Benfica’s equaliser.
🎥 The Benfica fans’ perspective of Anatoliy Trubin’s last minute goal. pic.twitter.com/mWbTtifbJd
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) January 29, 2026
“I’m 24 years old and it’s my first time scoring. Unbelievable,” said Trubin, who took home the match ball signed by teammates after his heroics.
The goalkeeper’s positioning and shot-stopping ability kept Benfica in contention even as Kylian Mbappé scored twice for the visitors. His performance between the posts proved crucial throughout a match that saw Andreas Schjelderup score a brace for the hosts.
Qualification Drama
Benfica needed the fourth goal to edge past Marseille and Pafos on goal difference, finishing 24th in the league phase standings. Mourinho’s tactical gamble, sending his goalkeeper forward in the dying seconds, proved the difference between elimination and progression.
The result marks another chapter in Mourinho’s storied European career, with his willingness to take calculated risks once again paying dividends when it mattered most.
