In one of the most dramatic Champions League moments this season, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 on January 28, 2026, in a match that had everything—comebacks, red cards, and an absolutely bonkers ending. José Mourinho's Portuguese side looked doomed, but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning 98th-minute header to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and secure a spot in the playoff round.
Benfica were trailing 2-1 at halftime after Kylian Mbappé put Real Madrid ahead in the 30th minute. But the home side responded with goals from Andreas Schjelderup and a Vangelis Pavlidis penalty to flip the script. In the second half, Schjelderup doubled his tally to make it 3-1, only for Mbappé to level at 3-2, setting up an intense finale.
With the match heading toward a draw that would eliminate Benfica, Trubin came forward for a late free kick delivery and completed Benfica's turnaround with a powerful header in the 98th minute. To add to Madrid's misery, both Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off in stoppage time, leaving Real with nine players.
For José Mourinho, beating his former club was extra special. "I think it is very deserved," the 63-year-old told reporters after the match. "For Benfica, it's incredibly prestigious to beat Real Madrid." The victory sends Benfica into the Champions League playoffs as the 24th and final qualifier, while Real Madrid—normally a top-eight lock—drops into the playoff round after finishing ninth in the league phase. Both teams could face each other again in the next round, or Benfica could draw Inter Milan, another of Mourinho's former clubs.