In one of the most dramatic nights in recent Champions League history, Real Madrid were stunned into the qualifying playoffs by their former coach Jose Mourinho, whose Benfica side advanced thanks to a last-gasp goal by their goalkeeper. The defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, also face the playoffs after failing to secure direct entry into the round of 16.
Real Madrid entered the match in third place in the 36-team standings, needing only a win to guarantee progression. Despite two goals from Kylian Mbappé, Madrid fell 4-2 at Benfica and dropped to ninth, narrowly missing automatic qualification. The defeat was made even more shocking by the circumstances: Benfica’s Ukrainian goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time with a header that sent the Portuguese side through. Madrid had been reduced to nine players following red cards for Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo just minutes earlier.
“This victory is historic and important,” Mourinho said after the match. “We knew that he [Trubin] could do it. You have to put the ball there, but it’s an amazing goal for the guy.” Trubin, who netted his first professional goal at 24, described the moment as “crazy” and “unforgettable.”
The chaotic night didn’t just affect Madrid. Sporting CP secured a stoppage-time win at Athletic Club, moving them into the top eight and pushing Madrid down. Sporting joined Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City in claiming direct spots in the round of 16. Arsenal, who completed a perfect group-stage record with a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty, and Bayern Munich had already sealed their progression.
Meanwhile, PSG and Newcastle, who started the evening in the top eight, drew 1-1 in Paris, dropping to 11th and 12th in the standings, respectively. This means that Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, and last season’s finalists Inter Milan will enter the qualifying playoff draw on Friday, which includes teams finishing ninth through 24th.
PSG coach Luis Enrique remained composed, pointing out the team’s readiness despite their drop in the standings. “We could have played better, yes, granted. We could have obtained better results, yes. But after analyzing the type of matches that we’ve played, we’re still there, and we’re ready for the next matches,” he said.
Norwegian newcomers Bodø/Glimt also secured a surprise qualification, finishing 23rd after a 2-1 win at Atlético Madrid. The result underscored the importance of their earlier victory over Manchester City at home in the Arctic Circle.
Benfica’s last-minute heroics came at the expense of Marseille, who were eliminated after losing 3-0 to Club Brugge, leaving them in 25th place with nine points. Italian champions Napoli also fell short, finishing 30th after a 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea. Brazilian striker João Pedro scored twice in the comeback, impressing Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior, who praised his overall play and work rate.
Other teams joining the qualifying playoffs include Qarabag, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Juventus, and Atalanta, creating a diverse and competitive field for the next stage of the Champions League.
The night’s events demonstrated just how unpredictable the group stage of Europe’s elite competition can be. A last-minute goalkeeper goal, multiple red cards, and shock results from underdog teams like Bodø/Glimt and Benfica have set up a playoff round that promises drama and surprises. Real Madrid and PSG, who are used to the comfort of direct qualification, now face the uncertainty of additional knockout games to reach the last 16, while teams like Benfica celebrate a historic passage.
For Mourinho, it was a moment of poetic justice, defeating the club he once led and sending one of Europe’s most storied teams into the playoffs. Trubin’s goal will go down as one of the most dramatic in Champions League history, a reminder that in football, anything can happen until the very last whistle.
