Benfica's Dramatic Escape into the Champions League Play-offs Thanks to Stoppage-Time Goalkeeper's Effort
In a thrilling match at Benfica's home stadium, the Portuguese side edged out Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League group stage. The decisive factor was an injury-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who scored just before the final whistle to help his team leapfrog their opponents on goal difference.
Madrid took an early lead, but Benfica responded strongly with three goals in a 20-minute span to take a commanding 3-1 advantage. The Spanish side fought back to level the score at 2-2, and it seemed as though they would secure a valuable draw. However, Real's nine-man team was dealt another blow when a second player received his marching orders.
Trubin's late intervention was met with jubilation from Benfica supporters as he headed in a corner kick to put his side ahead for the first time. This dramatic turn of events propelled Benfica into third place in Group A, setting them up for an automatic spot in the play-offs alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
While Madrid's nine-man side was ultimately unable to overcome their numerical disadvantage, they can take pride in their gritty performance that showcased their resilience and determination. For Trubin and his teammates, however, this victory represents a vital turning point in their Champions League campaign, giving them the edge they needed to secure an important playoff spot.
The Benfica players celebrated their dramatic win with unbridled enthusiasm, knowing that their team's fortunes have changed dramatically in a matter of seconds. Trubin, who has been instrumental in his side's push for European glory, was basking in the glory of his goal, as his teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him.
As we head into the final stretch of the group stage, all eyes will be on Benfica and Real Madrid, who will be eager to bounce back from this thrilling encounter. The next few weeks will prove crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the Champions League knockout phase.
In a thrilling match at Benfica's home stadium, the Portuguese side edged out Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League group stage. The decisive factor was an injury-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who scored just before the final whistle to help his team leapfrog their opponents on goal difference.
Madrid took an early lead, but Benfica responded strongly with three goals in a 20-minute span to take a commanding 3-1 advantage. The Spanish side fought back to level the score at 2-2, and it seemed as though they would secure a valuable draw. However, Real's nine-man team was dealt another blow when a second player received his marching orders.
Trubin's late intervention was met with jubilation from Benfica supporters as he headed in a corner kick to put his side ahead for the first time. This dramatic turn of events propelled Benfica into third place in Group A, setting them up for an automatic spot in the play-offs alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
While Madrid's nine-man side was ultimately unable to overcome their numerical disadvantage, they can take pride in their gritty performance that showcased their resilience and determination. For Trubin and his teammates, however, this victory represents a vital turning point in their Champions League campaign, giving them the edge they needed to secure an important playoff spot.
The Benfica players celebrated their dramatic win with unbridled enthusiasm, knowing that their team's fortunes have changed dramatically in a matter of seconds. Trubin, who has been instrumental in his side's push for European glory, was basking in the glory of his goal, as his teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him.
As we head into the final stretch of the group stage, all eyes will be on Benfica and Real Madrid, who will be eager to bounce back from this thrilling encounter. The next few weeks will prove crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the Champions League knockout phase.
i mean his goal was pure magic! he basically won the game for benfica in injury time its like he had a direct line to the net!!! and can we talk about madrids defense??? 9 men and they still managed to lose?? what a disaster lol benficas fans must be over the moon right now! i swear, this is the most dramatic turn of events in champs league history 
! I mean, who needs a superstar striker when you have a goalie scoring goals like that? 
The drama in this match was palpable, Madrid was cruising 2-1 and then got all these red cards, talk about turning the game around 
! Benfica's fans must've been going wild 
. This is definitely one of the most thrilling matches I've seen all season. Bring on the Champions League playoffs, can't wait to see what happens next! 
and meanwhile, benfica's already in the play-offs what a turn of events!!!
what's crazy is that the whole team was basically down to 9 players when Trubin scored at the end, and it completely flipped the script on the game 
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This is wild! I mean, who expects a goalie to score the winning goal? Anatoliy Trubin's heroics have propelled Benfica into a Champions League playoff spot, and it's insane! Real Madrid was cruising along at 2-1, and then they get another red card... Talk about turning the tables. 
I'm seriously hyped for them now. They gotta be so happy in their camp right now, like, jumping up and down celebrating. And Madrid can't even complain because they got destroyed by having 9 players on the field lol . The drama! 
It's been ages since we've seen something like this in the Champions League. And now that Benfica has secured an automatic spot in the play-offs, I'm hyped for their team's chances of making a deep run in the competition! 
. This match has really set up some interesting matchups down the line, especially with Real Madrid looking to bounce back from that tough loss. Bring it on, I'm loving this drama unfolding in Group A! 
. it's just so frustrating to see teams get rewarded for being reckless and unsportsmanlike 
. benfica's lucky, real madrid's the real heroes here 
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