It felt like a scene straight out of a movie script that Hollywood couldn’t have imagined. Most supporters wouldn’t even dare to fantasize about it. It was a moment born from a team managed by the self-proclaimed “Special One.” A dramatic 98th-minute header from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin not only clinched a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid for José Mourinho’s squad but also secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.
As the 24-year-old Ukrainian ventured forward at the Estádio da Luz, things seemed bleak for Benfica. Despite a brace from Andreas Schjelderup and a penalty scored by Vangelis Pavlidis that put the hosts in contention for the three points they needed, a brace from Kylian Mbappé meant Benfica remained level on goal difference with Marseille while trailing them in goals scored in the Champions League standings.
Jose Mourinho instructed Anatoliy Trubin to join the attack for a height advantage in the box.
Trubin accomplished the remarkable, scoring one of Benfica’s most crucial goals in a decade 🔥
The Special One ✨ pic.twitter.com/IXsOd5pwAF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2026
However, with Aleksandar Stankovic scoring a third goal for Club Brugge against Marseille just 10 minutes before, Benfica still had a heartbeat. That heartbeat turned into exhilaration as Trubin elevated above a stretched Madrid defense—who were down to nine men due to red cards issued to Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio—to connect with Fredrik Aursnes‘ free kick, sending it past Blancos goalie Thibaut Courtois.
INCREDIBLE 🔥
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scores in the 98th minute to keep Jose Mourinho’s side in contention 💥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplus pic.twitter.com/Vqtndh565T
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Lisbon exploded with excitement, and Trubin became the fastest player on the pitch as eager teammates pursued him to celebrate. Mourinho sprinted down the touchline, gesturing toward the stands and embracing a ballboy along the way. Entering the match under intense scrutiny from fans, this victory marked Mourinho’s first over his former team Madrid and, true to form, it was delivered in an unforgettable fashion.
Trubin is now among an elite group as just the fifth goalkeeper to score in the Champions League, joining the likes of Hans-Jörg Butt (who accomplished this feat three times), Vincent Enyeama, Ivan Provedel, and Sinan Bolat.
Moreover, Trubin’s goal guarantees Benfica’s participation in the upcoming draw on Friday, where they may face either Internazionale or, as fate may have it, Real Madrid. Truly special.