Porto beat Rangers 3-1 at Estádio do Dragão to finish fifth in the league phase of the Europa League.
Francesco Farioli’s side got off to a fast start but were caught out in the 6th minute.
Trying to play the ball out from the back, Jakub Kiwior's pass was picked off by James Tavernier, Findlay Curtis sending a cross into the danger area where Djeidi Gassama headed the ball past Diogo Costa.
Samu Aghehowa shot over the bar before Porto equalised in the 27th minute. William Gomes lost possession in the box but the ball fell perfectly for Rodrigo Mora, the 18-year-old taking a touch and firing into the net.
Porto stayed on the front foot as Pepê raced past Tavernier and appeared certain to score, Emmanuel Fernandez making a textbook challenge before the Brazilian could shoot.
Tavernier’s eventful evening took a turn for the worst in the 36th minute when he made a meal attempting to clear Yan Bednarek’s long ball. The veteran collided with Jack Butland which presented Francisco Moura with an empty net.
The comeback was complete five minutes later following Willam Gomes’ curling corner. Fernandez was involved in a challenge with Bednarek and headed into his own net.
The second half was an uneventful affair. Nicolas Raskin’s long range strike was their only chance of note, Costa doing well to divert the ball wide.
The goalkeeper hurt his knee but carried on, Pepê firing over the bar and spurning another chance after a long run forward from Borja Sainz.
The victory was assured as Porto cruised to the finish line, finishing fifth and earning a free ride to the round of 16 where they will face Celtic, Ludogorets, Stuttgart or Ferencvaros.
Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica’s players and their fans celebrate the goalkeeper’s incredible last-gasp winner. (Photo: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
No silverware was won, but 28 January 2026 is a night that will go down in Portuguese football folklore.
Fans of Benfica and Sporting ended the league phase of the Champions League in euphoria after coming from behind against Real Madrid and Athletic Club respectively to obtain the results they needed to achieve their aims at the start of the night.
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Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid – Eagles do the impossible!
For Benfica in particular, a match played in the backdrop of torrential rain could not have been more dramatic. Sitting on just six points at kick-off, Benfica’s chances of making it into the playoffs were slim, not least because as well as relying on a series of other results going their way, they had to deal with the small matter of beating Real Madrid in the Portuguese capital.
And when Kylian Mbappé headed Real in front against the run of play in the 30th minute it looked all over for Benfica. But by half time the Eagles had turned it around thanks to goals from man-of-the-match Andreas Schjelderup and a Pavlidis penalty, and the home team were fully deserving of the lead having missed a host of glaring opportunities to score more goals.
Schjelderup and Trubin heroics
In the second half Schjelderup and Mbappé scored again, but as the game went into stoppage time Benfica were out of the playoff places. Hope was kept alive when Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were both sent off for second yellow cards, and by that stage news had got through to the players that one more goal would suffice to stay in the competition.
A last throw of the dice saw goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin going up for a late free kick and the fans could scarcely believe their eyes when the Ukrainian sent a powerful header into the net to book Benfica’s place in the playoffs and trigger wild scenes of celebration.
Trubin heads in Benfica’s fourth goal to qualify Benfica for the Champions League playoffs. (Photo: Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Athletic Club 2-3 Sporting – Lions round off superb campaign in style
Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring his first-half equaliser. (Photo: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
It’s a tough ask for any Portuguese club to finish in the top eight of the first phase of the newfangled Champions League, given the huge financial gulf between the best Primeira Liga clubs and the best teams from wealthier countries.
And when the draw dictated that Sporting would have to play Napoli, Juventus and Bayern Munich away, and the current holders of the trophy PSG at home, even the most optimistic Sporting fan would have been content if the Lions managed to qualify for the playoffs.
Yet, going into the final round of matches in 10th position, Sporting’s solid campaign, highlighted by last week’s 2-1 victory over reigning European champions PSG at Alvalade, had opened up the possibility of direct progress to the round of sixteen.
But in Bilbao that looked unlikely for the first hour as Athletic Club, needing a win to make the playoffs, twice took the lead through Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta, Ousmane Diomande equalising in between.
Rui Borges makes the right moves
The match turned with a triple substitution made by Sporting coach Rui Borges in the 54th minute, Eduardo Quaresma, Hidemasa Morita and Pedro Gonçalves entering the fray for Diomande, João Simões and Daniel Bragança respectively.
The Portuguese team at last got their attacking game going, Francisco Trincão finishing off a slick move to make it 2-2 with half an hour remaining.
Geny Catamo had a shot well saved by Unai Simón, Luis Suárez put the ball in the net but was narrowly offside, and a penalty awarded to Sporting was chalked off after a VAR review.
With both exhausted teams going for the win in a wide-open stoppage time period, it was Sporting who got the all-important goal, late substitute Alisson Santos firing into the net on the follow-up after Simón had denied Luis Suárez.
Sporting’s players, the entire delegation on the bench and their fans in the stands celebrated wildly. A few minutes later the intense rush of dopamine would be replicated back in Lisbon at cross-town rivals Benfica.
For one night at least, both Lisbon clubs will put their fierce rivalry aside, metaphorically pat each other on the back, and mutter in unison – isso é futebol caralho!
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.
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.
Yanis Begraoui celebrates scoring yet another goal for Estoril. (Photo:https://estorilpraia.pt)
From the timeless defiance of 42-year-old Nenê for AVS, to the dream debut of Benfica’s Anísio Cabral, GW19 served as the latest showcase of Liga Portugal’s breadth, blurring lines between inevitable and improbable.
Goals were in abundance with 8 of the 18 Primeira Liga teams scoring three or more goals in their weekend matches.
In Estoril on Saturday night it was another ‘Cathro Clinic’ but perhaps nobody should be surprised. After all, the Estorilistas have scored as many goals as rampant leaders FC Porto, having scored 4+ goals on five occasions in the current league campaign.
Usual suspect Yanis Begraoui took centre stage once again following his audacious third goal to complete his hat-trick against Estrela da Amadora last week.
The Moroccan international delivered a masterclass in rupturing off-ball movement to the detriment of Allianz Cup conquerors Vitória SC, grabbing a brace in a 4-2 drubbing – his twelfth and thirteenth league goals of the campaign as he displaced Spanish international Samu Aghehowa on the podium in the race for the domestic golden boot.
The latest PortuGOAL Figure of the Week is a primary protagonist in Estoril’s ever more realistic pursuit of European football, as they sit four points off a top five finish. Kevin Fernandes reports.
From Étampes to Estoril
Yanis Redha Begraoui was born in an urban community on the outskirts of Paris, with his ancestral home residing in the Moroccan imperial city of Meknes.
Until reaching the U-23 squad of the Atlas Lions, Yanis would represent France on 21 occasions at youth international level, both nations evidently being deeply respected by Begraoui.
A Moroccan soul refined with French precision, Begraoui’s formative years were shaped at Auxerre’s respected academy where he would eventually make his debut in senior football.
Excluding short productive spells for Toulouse’s B team and Ligue 2 Pau, Yanis struggled to translate early promise into senior success. It seemed an eternity had passed since writing that he was ‘knocking on the door of the professionals’ as an intrepid, highly anticipated U-17 starlet.
The Cascais coast would truly open the appetite of Étampes’ finest. Begraoui started making waves after departing Toulouse.
The Canarinho Karim
Earning natural, loose aesthetic comparisons to the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Begraoui’s senior international debut for Morocco seems inevitable given his current trajectory.
The 24-year-old has contributed to 14 goals in 16 starts, which is the most productive season of his senior career although we are barely halfway through the campaign. He has established a formidable connection and fluid attack with the likes of classy creator João Carvalho and elite dribbler Rafik Guitane.
It is safe to say that Estoril’s number 14 has adapted well to his surroundings.
Incroyable Yanis Begraoui qui parle en Portugais mdrrrrr (Il est au tant aimé à Estoril qu'il l'a été chez nous 😁)#TeamAJApic.twitter.com/ef8I2BsHbt
Yanis shines out of possession, creating indecision between defenders, attacking their blind sides as a proficient space manipulator.
Begraoui isn’t particularly imposing or dominant physically, but has an audacious side as a two-footed, technically secure footballer who allows his teammates to benefit from his work and create varied offensive dynamics without a recognised, constant figurehead leading the attack.
While in his most productive phase of his career, doubts surrounding how Begraoui prepares for the decisive moment are slowly disappearing, evidently evolving as a defensively responsible and competent player, justly applauded by the demanding Ian Cathro.
Only Yanis Begraoui’s evolution and current form could overshadow the debuts of Anísio Cabral and Daniel Banjaqui, or the last-minute heroics of Luis Javier Suárez, to be crowned PortuGOAL Figure of the Week in a wholly deserved if slightly overdue fashion.
Porto’s relentless charge towards the Primeira Liga title continued after a 3-0 victory against Gil Vicente.
Borja Sainz was the early protagonist at a cold, wet and windy evening at Estádio do Dragão, the Spaniard firing the first shot wide before scoring from an offside position.
Gil Vicente responded with opportunities falling for Luís Esteves, Santi García and Tidjany Touré, but Porto would soon exert their authority.
Samu’s shot was blocked by Zé Carlos and Gabri Veiga was denied by a last gasp challenge from Ghislain Konan. The resulting corner saw Murilo Souza drag Samu down at the back post, referee António Nobre awarding a penalty.
Redemption for Samu
Samu had missed spot kicks in back-to-back games but showed no hesitation in taking responsibility, stepping up and drilling the ball into the bottom corner.
Rodrigo Mora and William Gomes replaced Veiga and Sainz before Gil Vicente went close to equalising, Gustavo Varela’s powerful shot saved by Diogo Costa and Esteves’ free kick hitting the post.
Mohamed Bamba and Martín Fernández entered the fray for the visitors but Fernández lasted less than 60 seconds on the pitch. An attempt to latch onto a long ball went wrong, his high boot catching Tiago Silva in the chest which saw Nobre produce a straight red card.
Martim scores from range
Francesco Farioli’s side capitalised in the 75th when they put the result beyond doubt, Martim Fernandes trying his luck from distance and striking gold, his low drive skidding off the slick surface and settling in the net.
Gomes got in on the act in the 86th minute when he raced onto Pablo Rosario’s pass, winger leaving Jonathan Buatu on the ground before slotting the ball through Dani Figueira.
Diogo Costa preserved the clean sheet in trademark fashion late on, making himself big at the back post where he denied Sergio Bermejo from close range.
Porto went close to making it four in added time, Deniz Gül receiving a clever pass from Mora but unable to beat Figueira who came off his line.
Porto beat Rangers 3-1 at Estádio do Dragão to finish fifth in the league phase of the Europa League.
