Benfica did the unthinkable at the Luz earlier today, beating Real Madrid 4-2 in an incredibly exciting match that saw goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin head in the final goal on the final play of the match, sending Benfica into last place and into the next round of the Champions League.The first half was a spectacle from start to finish. Real Madrid took the lead in the thirtieth minute when Kylian Mbappé headed in the opener from a Raul Asencio cross. Benfica responded quickly and equalized six minutes later through Andreas Schjelderup’s header on a counter-attack set up by striker Vangelis Pavlidis.
Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty just before half-time which was won after a foul in the penalty area from an Otamendi corner, giving Benfica a 2-1 lead at half-time. Benfica had one of the strongest halves of the season and was unlucky not to have more of a lead.
The second half continued the intensity and Schjelderup would strike again just nine minutes into the break to make it 3-1 to the home side, taking advantage of a quick move inside to beat Courtois on the low left. Mbappe would cut the lead to one just four minutes later after a clinical finish with his second of the match.
There would then be late drama as Real would end up with nine men after red cards for Asencio and Rodrygo in stoppage time. Benfica went into what would be the final action of the match leading 3–2 and needing one more goal to reach the final play-off spot on goal difference.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin would advance for the set and join his teammates. He rose highest to head home Fredrik Aursnes’ cross in the 98th minute, sealing the 4-2 victory and a miraculous qualification for a club that started the season with four consecutive defeats.
This pulsating match showed Benfica’s resilience under manager Jose Mourinho and brought real joy to the fans for once this season. Benfica’s reward for finishing 24th in the league stage could be a meeting against Inter Milan or… Real Madrid again.
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