Benfica scored in the final moments to defeat Real Madrid 4-2 on Wednesday night, sealing a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase in dramatic fashion.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was the unlikely hero, heading home in the 98th minute from a late set piece to deliver the goal Benfica needed on the last day of the league phase.
The late strike lifted Benfica above Marseille on goal difference, handing the Portuguese side the final qualification spot and ending the French club’s Champions League campaign.
The result was a major setback for Real Madrid, who needed at least a draw to finish in the top eight and qualify directly for the round of 16. Instead, the Spanish giants dropped into the knockout play-offs.
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Kylian Mbappé scored twice for Madrid, but Benfica stayed in control through two goals from Andreas Schjelderup and a penalty converted by Vangelis Pavlidis.
Madrid’s night worsened late on as Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off, leaving the visitors with nine men.
Elsewhere, wins for Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Sporting Lisbon confirmed their top-eight finishes, while Paris Saint-Germain also slipped into the play-offs.
The Champions League knockout phase draw will be held on Friday, January 30, with Real Madrid now facing a tougher route to the last 16.