Benfica Stun Real Madrid as Trubin Saves Mourinho’s Champions League Dream
Benfica and Jose Mourinho have never been short of drama, but Wednesday night in Lisbon delivered one of the most extraordinary chapters yet in the club’s rich European history. For a manager whose career has been defined by iconic moments, Anatoly Trubin’s last-gasp heroics offered Mourinho a rare and much-needed first since his emotional return to the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica and Mourinho: A Return Filled With Doubt
Settling back at Benfica has not been straightforward for Jose Mourinho since replacing Bruno Lage in September. Appointed more than two decades after his first brief spell at the club, the 63-year-old faced scepticism from the outset, with many questioning whether “The Special One” still had the magic that once made him one of football’s most feared tacticians.
Four and a half months into his reign, Benfica remain unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, yet sit third in the table, a daunting 10 points behind runaway leaders Porto, who have amassed 55 points from a possible 57. The prospect of Mourinho claiming a ninth domestic league title appears remote.
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European competition had also offered little comfort. Benfica lost their opening four matches in the league phase, and even morale-boosting victories over Ajax and Napoli seemed unlikely to rescue their campaign after a damaging defeat in the penultimate round. A domestic cup exit at Porto only added to the pressure.
Benfica’s European Miracle at the Estadio da Luz
All of that changed in the most unbelievable fashion imaginable. Facing 15-time European champions Real Madrid, Benfica were not only chasing a famous victory but fighting for survival in the Champions League. As added time stretched into added time, they led 3-2 but still needed one more goal to qualify. A late free-kick provided one final opportunity. In a decision that will live long in club folklore, Mourinho sent goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin forward.
Seconds later, the Estadio da Luz erupted. Trubin rose highest and powered a bullet header into the net, sending Benfica through and plunging the stadium into pandemonium. Players sprinted in every direction, while the Ukrainian goalkeeper capped his wild celebration with a knee slide that instantly became iconic.
Benfica, Trubin and Mourinho’s Vindication
“We knew he could do it,” Mourinho told UEFA afterwards. “At the Dragao he was also there in the final action, but this time he finished it.”
The goal was not only historic, it was transformative. Benfica snatched qualification on goal difference, pushing Marseille out of the play-off places and keeping their European hopes alive against all odds.
European football expert Julien Laurens summed it up succinctly. “Everything hasn’t really worked out for Mourinho at Benfica so far. To win tonight in that way, against Real Madrid, with that narrative, it feels like a miracle.” For Mourinho, the victory carried special meaning. He spent three seasons at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, famously battling Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and winning La Liga in 2011-12.
“To beat Real Madrid is significant,” Mourinho said. “In that moment, Benfica had to give everything.”
What’s Next for Benfica in Europe?
The win has opened up mouth-watering possibilities. With Real Madrid finishing ninth in the league phase and Benfica 24th, there is a 50% chance of an immediate rematch in the play-off round. The alternative? Inter Milan — the club with whom Mourinho won an unforgettable Champions League treble in 2010.
“I like going to Madrid, I like going to Milan,” Mourinho admitted. “I can’t say I prefer one or the other.” Whoever Benfica face next, few would bet against Mourinho conjuring something special once again.
Benfica’s Moment to Remember
Trubin himself admitted he barely understood what was happening in the closing seconds. “Before, I didn’t understand what we needed,” he said. “I saw everyone pointing at me and I went forward. We needed one more goal.” At just 24 years old, the goalkeeper etched his name into Benfica history with the first goal of his career — a goal that nearly lifted the roof off the Estadio da Luz.
For a club built on legends and European nights, this was one more moment to treasure. And for Jose Mourinho, it was proof that even now, with Benfica, the script can still deliver the impossible.
Source: BBC
