Benfica Stun Real Madrid With Late Champions League Drama

On a night already brimming with anticipation, few could have predicted the sheer drama that would unfold at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Benfica, the Portuguese giants, stunned Real Madrid—the most decorated club in UEFA Champions League history—with a 4-2 victory that will be talked about for years to come. The result, delivered in the final round of the league phase on January 28, 2026, not only upended expectations but also forced the Spanish heavyweights into the knockout phase play-offs, denying them direct passage to the coveted Round of 16.

It all began with Real Madrid showing their trademark confidence. The visitors, knowing a draw or win would secure their direct qualification, looked to stamp their authority early. That intent paid off in the 30th minute, when Kylian Mbappé—Madrid’s superstar forward—rose highest to meet a cross from Raúl Asencio, nodding the ball into the bottom left corner. The away fans erupted, believing the path to the next round was paved. But football, as ever, had other ideas.

Benfica, unfazed by the setback, responded almost immediately. Their young Norwegian sensation, Andreas Schjelderup, found space in the box and headed home a pinpoint cross from Vangelis Pavlidis, drawing the hosts level. The Estadio da Luz roared back to life, and suddenly the momentum shifted. Real Madrid, perhaps rattled by the quick response, conceded a penalty just before the break—Aurélien Tchouaméni guilty of a foul in the area. Pavlidis stepped up and coolly converted, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way and Benfica into a 2-1 halftime lead.

As the teams emerged for the second half, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Real Madrid pressed forward, hungry for the equalizer that would restore their control over their Champions League fate. Yet, it was Benfica who struck again. Schjelderup, brimming with confidence, latched onto a clever assist from Pavlidis and slotted the ball past Courtois for his second of the night. The scoreline now read 3-1, and the home crowd could barely believe their eyes.

But if there’s one thing Real Madrid have never lacked, it’s resilience. Just two minutes after Schjelderup’s second, Mbappé again found the net—this time with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Arda Güler. The goal made it 3-2, and for a brief moment, it seemed as though Madrid might pull off another of their famous comebacks.

The match, already pulsating with energy, took a wild turn as tempers flared and the referee’s cards began to flow. Both Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, key Madrid players, saw red after receiving their second yellow cards. Reduced to nine men, Madrid’s task became Herculean. Benfica, sensing opportunity, poured forward in search of the decisive goal that would settle the group’s fate once and for all.

What happened next will surely enter Champions League folklore. With the clock deep into stoppage time—five minutes announced by the fourth official—Benfica won a free kick on the right wing. Fredrik Aursnes whipped in a teasing cross, and in an astonishing twist, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin surged forward and powered a header into the bottom left corner. The stadium erupted as Trubin wheeled away in celebration, having sealed a miraculous 4-2 win for the home side. For Benfica, it was a moment of pure ecstasy; for Madrid, utter disbelief.

Throughout the contest, both teams showcased moments of brilliance and grit. Real Madrid’s attack, led by Mbappé, constantly threatened. Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and Jude Bellingham all came close, with Trubin producing several key saves to keep Benfica in the driver’s seat. On the other end, Schjelderup and Pavlidis tormented the Madrid defense, while Aursnes’s set-piece delivery proved decisive at the death.

Substitutions flowed as both coaches sought fresh legs and tactical tweaks. Real Madrid introduced Brahim Díaz, Jorge Cestero, and David Alaba, hoping to shore up the back line and find a late equalizer. Benfica, meanwhile, rotated their attacking options, bringing on António Silva, Franjo Ivanovic, João Rego, and Enzo Barrenechea to maintain their high-intensity approach.

The match was not without controversy. Foul after foul disrupted the rhythm, and the referee’s whistle became a near-constant companion. Cards were brandished for both sides, with Real Madrid ultimately suffering the greater punishment. The double sending-off left them exposed, and Benfica’s late surge made full use of the numerical advantage.

For Real Madrid, the defeat is a bitter pill. As the record winners of the competition, they arrived in Lisbon expecting to cruise into the Round of 16. Instead, they now face a treacherous path through the knockout phase play-offs—a fate few would have predicted just days ago. Their manager, staff, and supporters must regroup quickly if they are to keep their European dreams alive.

Benfica, meanwhile, will savor this famous night. The victory not only secures their own progression but does so in the most dramatic manner imaginable. Anatoliy Trubin’s goal will be replayed for years, joining the pantheon of extraordinary Champions League moments. As Schjelderup, Pavlidis, and their teammates celebrated with the home fans, the sense of achievement was palpable. They had toppled the kings of Europe, and done so with flair, courage, and a touch of magic.

Looking ahead, the Champions League knockout phase promises even more intrigue. Will Real Madrid’s setback galvanize them, or will the wounds linger? Can Benfica ride this wave of momentum into the deeper rounds? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Lisbon witnessed a night of football that won’t soon be forgotten.

As the dust settles, both teams must turn their attention to what comes next. For Benfica, jubilation and preparation; for Real Madrid, reflection and resolve. The Champions League, as ever, keeps us guessing—reminding fans everywhere why we love the beautiful game.