Benfica produced one of the standout results of the UEFA Champions League league phase on January 28, 2026, beating Real Madrid 4-2 at the Estádio da Luz. José Mourinho’s side grabbed a huge win that pushed Benfica into the playoff places. It also left Real Madrid heading to the playoff round after missing the automatic qualification spots.
This match had everything, but it will be remembered most for an almost-unbelievable finish. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored with a header in the 98th minute to wrap up a chaotic night.
First half: Tight opening, then two quick goals
Both teams started at a high tempo, with plenty on the line in the final league phase fixture. Real Madrid, led up front by Kylian Mbappé, looked sharp on the break. Benfica stayed organized and didn’t give much away early.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute. Andreas Schjelderup met a well-placed cross and nodded it home to put Benfica ahead 1-0.
Real Madrid hit back soon after. Mbappé finished clinically to make it 1-1 before the break, sending the teams into halftime level. His calm touch in front of the goal showed why he’s still among the best.
Second half: Benfica pushes forward, Mbappé answers again
The second half opened up fast. Benfica struck first, taking the lead through Vangelis Pavlidis after a quick passing move, making it 2-1. Benfica played with more belief at this point, pressing higher and finding space as Real Madrid tried to play out.
Real Madrid responded through Mbappé once more. He scored his second of the match with a strong solo effort to tie it at 2-2. That brace seemed to tilt the mood toward the visitors, who pushed hard for a goal that would have helped them stay in the top eight.
Benfica didn’t back off, though. The match turned into a back-and-forth fight, with both sides creating chances.
Stoppage-time chaos: Trubin seals it with a header
Benfica grabbed another goal later in the half to move in front 3-2, setting up a frantic finish. Then came the moment nobody saw coming.
Deep into stoppage time, in the 98th minute, Benfica won a late corner. Trubin came up from his goal, timed his run, and powered a header past a stunned Real Madrid defense. It was 4-2, and it was the final touch of the game.
The Estádio da Luz exploded. Trubin’s header sealed the win and helped Benfica sneak into the Champions League playoff qualification places on goal difference. Real Madrid dropped to ninth, which sent them into the playoff round.
Match highlights
- 36′, Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica) heads in for 1-0.
- ~40′, Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) makes it 1-1.
- Second half, Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) finishes for 2-1.
- Later, Kylian Mbappé scores again to level it at 2-2.
- ~80′-90′ Benfica take a 3-2 lead (as reported in match coverage).
- 90+8’Natoliyiy Trubin (Benfica goalkeeper) heads in from a corner for 4-2.
Benfica key performers and stats
Benfica’s key names stepped up, and the team kept its nerve when it mattered most.
| Player | Position | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Anatoliy Trubin | Goalkeeper | Scored the decisive 90+8′ header, made key saves |
| Andreas Schjelderup | Midfielder | Opened the scoring (36′) |
| Vangelis Pavlidis | Forward | Put Benfica back in front at 2-1 |
| Team stats | Possession: ~48%, Shots: 14, Goals: 4 |
Real Madrid’s night ends in frustration, even with Mbappé’s brace
Real Madrid had Mbappé in top form, but their late defending let them down at the worst time.
| Player | Position | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | Forward | Scored twice (1-1 and 2-2) |
| Team stats | Possession: ~52%, Shots: 12, Goals: 2 |
They couldn’t deal with the final set piece, and that mistake decided the match.
What idoes t mean going forward
The Benfica vs Real Madrid result will be talked about for a long time. Benfica’s 4-2 win over Real Madrid gives Mourinho’s team a huge boost and keeps their Champions League 2025/26 hopes alive through the playoffs. For Real Madrid, the road gets harder. They now have to fight through the playoff round to reach the knockouts.
Above all, this match will live on for one reason: Anatoliy Trubin’s header in the 98th minute, a goalkeeper’s goal that flipped the night on its head.
