Going into Wednesday’s Champions League final round match, many experts stated that it would take a miracle for Benfica to progress. Well, a miracle is what the 60,000-plus at the Estádio da Luz witnessed as José Mourinho’s side pulled one of the great comeback stories this tournament has witnessed.
Benfica definitely deserved all three points, but as the seconds ticked down, it appeared as if three points would not be enough with the Eagles hovering just outside of the playoff qualifying spots.
It looked to be an insurmountable task when Kylian Mbappé gave the Spanish side an early lead against the run of play. The Eagles, however. were up for the challenge. Goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis saw the home side take a 2-1 lead into the half. Schjelderup recorded his second of the night in the 54th minute, but Mbappé responded four minutes later to keep the tie within touching distance.
Normally, Mourinho and Benfica would have been delighted to hang on to their one-goal lead and ensure a historic upset against the world's most decorated club. However, the way that results across Europe panned out, it became clear that a two-goal victory would keep the Eagles in the competition.
Benfica continued to push forward, and it was the unlikeliest of scorers, keeper Anatoliy Trubin, who connected with a free kick in the final minute to record Benfica’s fourth and send the home crowd into a frenzy. This was a truly historic night at the Luz, one filled with goals, cards, drama, high-level football, and a thrilling finish that the Lisbon club’s supporters will talk about for decades to come.
Benfica dominate opening 30 minutes
Benfica made a strong start, and although there were no major chances, the crowd responded by driving the home side forward. Their first opportunity came in the 7th minute from a corner. Ukrainian attacking midfielder Sudakov, who has been outstanding since joining the club this summer, swung it into the box, and after some fumbling from the Real Madrid defenders, it was Tomás Araújo who somehow missed from close range, tapping his attempt just wide of the goal.
First yellow to Barreiro in the 10th minute, a harsh ruling considering it was his first foul of the match, but the referee made it clear from the early stages that he would not tolerate any nonsense in this tense affair.
In the 13th minute, Benfica’s top scorer Pavlidis had a one-on-one opportunity on goal. The Greek striker’s first touch let him down, and saw the ball drift away for a goal kick.
Over the first 15 minutes, though, the conditions and the pace of the game seemed to suit Benfica’s approach. The home side had a penalty shout in the 15th minute, but after a lengthy review, the referee chose to reverse his initial decision and not award the spot kick.
In the 21st minute, it was Gianluca Prestianni’s turn. The Argentinian cut onto his right foot and aimed a curler towards the top right corner that seemed destined for the back of the net. If not for an outstretched save from Thibaut Courtois, who was able to get his fingertips on the ball to tip it onto the crossbar, Benfica would’ve certainly been level.
Fredrik Aursnes and Pavlidis both had shots that were well saved by Courtois, and Benfica seemed to be doing everything right, except for scoring that all-important first goal.
Mbappé scores against the run of play
Madrid managed to materialise their first chance on goal in the 25th minute, a long range effort from Arda Güler that flew just wide of the post.
Against the run of play, when it all seemed to be going Benfica’s way, a reality check for the Benfiquistas. Once again, it was a fantastic finish from French superstar Mbappé, the man who is considering my many to be the best player on the planet. The Benfica defence seemed to lose their concentrating and were punished for it.
Raúl Asencio was the provider, with his cross from the right side was met by the French striker at the far post. A powerful header left Trubin with little chance.
Suddenly the momentum favoured the visitors. A few minutes after, Asencio header tested Trubin into a diving save to prevent a second.
Pavlidis and Schjelderup respond to give Eagles the lead
The goal may have caught Benfica off guard, but it did little to dampen the spirits at the Luz.
The Reds responded soon after with a brilliant counterattacking goal. Prestianni, Pavlidis, and Schjelderup were all involved this time. This time, it was Madrid’s defence that was caught out, and some fantastic transition play saw the ball drop to Schjelderup's feet at the back post. The Norwegian maintained his composure and headed the ball past Courtois to the delight of the home supporters.
In the 39th minute, it really should’ve been 2-1 for the Eagles. After a driving run down the right side from Dedic, the ball dropped to Schjelderup once again. With Courtois out of position, the midfielder had the whole goal to aim at, but a bold goal-line clearance from Valverde kept the tie level.
It didn’t take long, however, for Benfica to secure that coveted second goal. In stoppage time, Otamendi was deemed to have been brought down in the box. This time, the penalty was given. Pavlidis, who has been extremely reliable from the spot, stepped up to record his second Champions League goal of the campaign.
Overall, a fantastic half from Benfica, and something for the players to hold on to as they approached what would be a demanding second half.
Schjelderup punishes Madrid with vital third goal
Real Madrid’s approach changed as they came out for the second half with Alvaro Arbeloa's team looking to be the aggressor early on.
In the 47th minute, Mbappé’s cross found Vinicius at the back post, but his header flew just over the crossbar.
Pavliidis responded with a shot on goal in the 51st, and it became hard to predict which club would come out on top
At a critical stage, Schjelderup, who had been subjected to transfer rumours over the last few weeks, provided a moment of magic that reminded us all why Benfica shelled out a hefty fee to sign him from Nordsjælland back in 2023. This time, the gifted winger found himself on the left side, taking on Asencio. He managed to manoeuver his way to make some space and cut back onto his preferred right foot. A low right-footed shot was beautifully placed into the bottom right corner of the goal to give Benfica hope and belief that perhaps a qualification spot was not out of reach.
Mbappé responds for Madrid
Nobody said it was going to be easy against the mighty Madrid. Just four minutes after Schjelderup's goal, a well-worked move that started down the right wing saw the ball fall to Mbappé. The French striker was clinical from the top of the box, taking the ball on first time and placing a right-footed shot into the left corner of the goal.
The nerves were starting to set in for the locals. A poor back pass from Dahl nearly handed Madrid an equalizer. Bellingham this time skying his shot over.
A clumsy foul from former Benfica player Carrera on Prestianni allowed Benfica a few minutes to regroup, but this match was far from over. The final 25 mins were sure to be a test for Benfica
Madrid continued to gamble and press for an equaliser. Trubin was tested by Rodrygo in the 77th and responded with a fine save. That, however, would not be his final contribution to the match.
Benfica keeper stuns visitors with last-second blow
The way results had fallen, it became clear that a 3-2 lead would not be enough to qualify. The message was passed down to the players and Benfica worked tirelessly to chase down Madrid.
As the seconds ticked away, it seemed as if Benfica would fall just short of their ultimate goal. A late free kick appeared to be their final chance. With their European dreams slipping away, keeper Trubin joined his teammates in the opposing box for one final push. Aursnes did his part, curling a ball into the danger zone, and Trubin took care of the rest.
Trubin’s diving header was the stuff of fairytales. A goal that saw the stadium erupt, with players from all corners of the pitch diving on the keeper in celebration. Moments later, the final whistle. Benfica were somehow through to the next round.
Defeats to Qarabağ, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United and Juventus earlier in the campaign meant Benfica’s Champions League dream was slowly fading away. Lisbon saw heavy rainfall and high winds for Wednesday’s encounter, but despite the challenging conditions, there was an energy and sense of optimism in the stadium that was infectious. That spirit was passed down from the stands to the players.
Mourinho has the ability to bring out the best from his players, especially in European competitions, where he has thrived throughout his career. This was another masterclass from the “Special One” with his players producing a comprehensive display from start to finish. This was their most complete display of the Mourinho era, and it turned out to be a historic win that sets their season back on track.
Lineups:
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic, Nicolás Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Samuel Dahl, Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes, Georgiy Sudakov, Andreas Schjelderup, Gianluca Prestianni, Vangelis Pavlidis
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Franco Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
Goals:
[1-0] Kylian Mbappé, 30'
[1-1] Andreas Schjelderup, 36’
[2-1] Vangelis Pavlidis, 45 (pen.)
[3-1] Andreas Schjelderup, 54’
[3-2] Kylian Mbappé, 58'
[4-2] Anatoliy Trubin, 90'
