In a Champions League night destined for folklore, Real Madrid’s trip to the Estadio da Luz ended in heartbreak-and-euphoria for both sides after a bewildering 4-2 defeat to Benfica. With automatic qualification for the last 16 on the line in the 2025/26 campaign, the stage was set for high drama—and it delivered, spectacularly.
The hero from the back
In a twist few predicted, Benfica’s Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin became the night’s unexpected hero. With the tie balanced on a knife-edge deep into stoppage time, Trubin—abandoning his post between the sticks—charged forward for a last gasp set-piece. Meeting Fredrik Aursnes’ curling free-kick with an audacious diving header, he sent the home crowd into a frenzy of disbelief and jubilation. At the 98th minute, what appeared a desperate gamble cemented Benfica’s 4-2 victory and ensured their Champions League survival in the most heart-stopping fashion.
Much of the pre-match attention focused on Jose Mourinho’s return to haunt his former club. His tactical wizardry blended with Benfica’s fearless spirit, igniting a classic European contest. Under Mourinho, Benfica clinched the final spot in the knockout-stage play-off round, stunning Madrid—and most of Europe—with their resilience.
Wild swings of fate: the match unfolds
This showdown was far from straightforward. Early on, Real Madrid showed their pedigree as Thibaut Courtois produced a fingertip save to deny Gianluca Prestianni, before Heorhii Sudakov rattled the woodwork. Madrid seized momentum on the half-hour mark, as Raul Asencio’s cross found Kylian Mbappe, who powered home his 12th goal of the Champions League season, rewriting the group-stage record books.
But Benfica’s response was swift:
- 36th minute: Andreas Schjelderup’s header leveled the score, courtesy of Vangelis Pavlidis’ pinpoint delivery.
- First-half injury time: Pavlidis, brought down by Aurélien Tchouaméni, coolly slotted home from the spot.
After the break, Pavlidis set Schjelderup for Benfica’s third, only for Mbappe to reduce the deficit minutes later with a typically clinical finish, this time off an Arda Güler cutback. The momentum swung wildly until the closing stages, when Real Madrid’s discipline faltered and both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo received red cards, leaving the Spanish giants with just nine men.
History makers and heartbreak: Mbappé’s record, Madrid’s misery
Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary season continues to spark headlines. His two goals in Lisbon—12th and 13th in the league phase—propelled him past Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous group-stage record (11 in 2015-16). In just seven matches, he equaled Ronaldo’s and Lewandowski’s single-campaign tallies in the opening seven games of a Champions League season.
Yet, even Mbappé’s brilliance was not enough. Benfica’s collective drive, marshaled by Mourinho’s cunning, was underscored by a dominant xG tally (2.99 to Madrid’s 1.5), proof of their relentless pressure and deserved triumph.
What comes next: play-off tensions rise
The result reshuffles the Champions League pack:
- Benfica clinch the play-off spot, thanks to Trubin’s sensational header and Sporting CP’s late winner over Athletic Club.
- Madrid, shocked and reduced to nine men, must now navigate the play-offs, facing a possible immediate rematch with Benfica or a clash with Norway’s Bodo/Glimt.
Should Mourinho’s men meet Madrid again, expect simmering tensions and grudge-match anticipation of the highest order.