Trubin's Dramatic Header Secures Benfica's Champions League Qualification

On Wednesday night in Lisbon, goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin scored a crucial goal for Benfica in a Champions League match against Real Madrid.

Match Outcome and Qualification

Benfica defeated Real Madrid with a score of 3-2. To advance in the Champions League, however, Benfica required an additional goal in the final moments of the match.

During a free-kick in added time, Trubin advanced into the opposing penalty area and scored a decisive goal with a header. This dramatic goal secured Benfica's qualification for the Champions League play-offs, resulting in Marseille being eliminated from their spot.

"a fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down."

Player and Manager Statements

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho described the goal as "a fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down" and stated it was "very deserved for us." Mourinho also noted that "for Benfica it's an incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid."

Trubin later stated, "Before, I didn't understand what we needed. I see everyone start to point at me and I go and after I see [I can go forward]. We need one more goal." He described the moment as "crazy."

"I am not used to scoring, so for me it was something completely new. I am 24 years old and for me it's the first time."

Acknowledging it was his first career goal, Trubin added, "I am not used to scoring, so for me it was something completely new. I am 24 years old and for me it's the first time."

Context

Due to the concurrent nature of the final matchday's 18 games, Trubin was reportedly unaware of the exact qualification requirements at the time of the goal. Minutes before scoring, he had claimed a cross and briefly knelt, an action that appeared to be an attempt to consume time, while still unaware that Benfica's then-current standing meant they would not qualify.