Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 after Anatoliy Trubin netted a last-minute goal, igniting excitement among José Mourinho and the fans, and ensured their place in the Champions League play-offs.
Why Benfica Needed a Two-Goal Win — And How They Pulled It Off
The Estadio da Luz certainly lived up to its reputation on a thrilling Champions League evening as Benfica achieved one of the most sensational victories of the 2025-26 group-stage semifinals, defeating Real Madrid 4-2 in remarkable style.
Aware that a two-goal win was essential to maintain their European aspirations in the expanded 36-team format, Benfica gave their all on the field — and achieved their miracle in the most unexpected manner possible.
Kylian Mbappe put Real Madrid ahead, looking to end the match quickly. Benfica fought back with determination and confidence—as Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis brought the hosts back to parity.
Then arrived the instant that will be remembered forever in Lisbon legend.
In the 98th minute, while Benfica required one more goal, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin rushed forward for a set piece.
The tall Ukrainian soared above all and directed a header into the goal. Disorder ensued. Benfica secured a victory by two goals. Certification was obtained.
The crowd roared — yet the cameras focused on José Mourinho.
In fitting scenes for the moment, the Benfica coach dashed along the sideline, jumped into a ball boy’s embrace, and celebrated exuberantly before facing the cheering audience.
After that, Mourinho continued to absorb the entire experience.
“I often feel emotional.” “I believe it was warranted,” he stated. “For Benfica, defeating Real Madrid brings immense prestige.” “For the players and the club, it’s something incredible.”
Mourinho confessed he hadn’t recognized at first that 3-2 would not suffice.
“When I heard we required another goal, to be honest, I felt annoyed,” he chuckled. “I wondered, ‘Why wasn’t I informed just moments earlier?’”
It marked Trubin’s initial goal in professional football, though his manager wasn’t entirely taken aback.
“Mourinho affirmed that we were confident in his abilities.” “He came close to scoring a couple of weeks back.” “The large man has the ability.”
On a night of glory, disorder, and classic Mourinho drama, Benfica carved their legacy into the records of Champions League history.
Rohit Sharma’s 155 Sets the Tone for Mumbai’s Dominant Vijay Hazare Trophy Start
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma delivered an impressive performance with 155 runs as Mumbai kicked off their Vijay Hazare Trophy journey with a solid victory against Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where they effortlessly chased the target and secured the match by eight wickets. Sikkim won the coin toss and opted to bat initially. They
Rohit Sharma’s Domestic Return Triggers Crowd Scare at Jaipur Stadium
December 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s comeback to domestic cricket was intended to be discreet — a practice session, some calm preparation, and a stroll back to the locker room. In contrast, his initial Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance in Jaipur provided a reminder of the excitement that continues to accompany one of India’s most prominent sports figures. Also Read:
India’s Probable XI for T20 World Cup 2026
December 24, 2025
As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026, the focus is clearly on balance, versatility, and impact players who can deliver under pressure. The probable XI reflects a blend of explosive batting, reliable all-round options, and a lethal bowling attack capable of dominating any opposition. Also Read: 4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic
4,000 and Counting! Smriti Mandhana Sets Historic T20I Benchmark for India
December 23, 2025
Indian star player Smriti Mandhana made history in the first Women’s T20I match against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Visakhapatnam. The left-handed opener reached a significant milestone and joined an exclusive group in women’s T20 international cricket. Mandhana made history as the first Indian woman cricketer to exceed 4,000 runs in T20Is. This is a
‘No Energy Left’: Rohit Sharma Reveals How 2023 World Cup Final Broke Him Mentally
December 23, 2025
In a shocking and heartfelt confession, ex-India captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he considered quitting cricket entirely following India’s heavy defeat to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Addressing an event at Masters’ Union on Sunday, Rohit revealed the emotional impact of the loss, recounting a time when
“Happy For My Thambi”: Ashwin Applauds Sanju Samson’s Long-Awaited T20 World Cup Call-Up
December 22, 2025
Ashwin supports India’s T20 World Cup 2026 team captained by Suryakumar and Axar, complimenting Samson, Kishan, and Rinku prior to the India-Sri Lanka match. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his support for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 lineup, stating the team is poised for a robust title defense and applauding various daring selection decisions.
‘Messi Didn’t Like Being Touched’: How Kolkata Event Spiralled Out of Control
December 22, 2025
Lionel Messi departed Kolkata swiftly following tumultuous events at Salt Lake Stadium, according to organizer Satadru Dutta. SIT investigates security breaches and financial information. Arrested organizer Satadru Dutta informed investigators that Lionel Messi shortened his Kolkata visit due to feeling very uneasy about the disorganized crowd scenes at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13.
Silence, Scores, Selection: How Ishan Kishan Re-Entered India’s T20 World Cup Plans
December 22, 2025
Ishan Kishan: Since his white-ball international debut in 2021, the short left-handed batsman has participated in 27 ODIs and 32 T20Is. Mainly utilized as a temporary solution, the 27-year-old has not played for India in more than two years. In a brief period, Ishan Kishan faced various challenges that his contemporaries did not, including controversy
India’s T20I Captaincy Puzzle: Five Names in Focus After Gill Misses Out
December 22, 2025
Debate intensifies over Indian men’s T20I captaincy as Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill encounter scrutiny. We examine five alternatives to captain the T20I team soon. The captaincy and vice-captaincy are the most discussed subjects in Indian men’s T20I cricket right now. When Shubman Gill was assigned the latter position, as Suryakumar Yadav’s second-in-command, it appeared
Rohit Sharma Admits He Almost Quit Cricket After 2023 World Cup Final
December 22, 2025
Rohit Sharma disclosed a moment when he nearly quit cricket entirely, expressing his desire to retire early as he believed he had ‘nothing more’ to offer. Star batsman Rohit Sharma disclosed that he thought about retiring early from cricket following the loss in the 2023 World Cup. The ex-ODI captain, who guided the team to