An incredible goal from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sealed them a Champions League play-off spot at the death – and sparked sensational celebrations.
Jose Mourinho sent Trubin forward for a free-kick deep inside stoppage time, with his side needing to score again at the Estadio da Luz to creep into the top 24.
In barely believable scenes, Fredrik Aursnes’ delivery then picked out the stopper, with the unlikely hero crashing home a bullet header beyond Thibaut Courtois.
Benfica Goalkeeper Scores Last-Gasp Goal
The Portuguese giants were leading nine-man Madrid 3-2, but required a fourth goal to keep their European dreams alive.
Seconds after Rodrygo was dismissed, Jude Bellingham brought down Aursnes midway through Madrid’s half – a costly mistake.
The free-kick was whipped into the box, where Trubin rose highest to nod in.
Lost in the jubilation, Mourinho charged down the touchline and celebrated with a ballboy.
The late heroics saw Benfica move ahead of Marseille and qualify for the two-legged play-offs. They had been tied on a goal difference of -3, but were behind on away goals.
Trubin became just the third goalkeeper to score from open play in the Champions League, joining Sinan Bolat and Ivan Provedel in the history books.
Benfica’s victory came despite Kylian Mbappe’s brace at the Estadio da Luz. Vagelis Pavlidis and Andreas Schjelderup’s double put the hosts ahead, but full-time quickly approached.
The result would have eased the pressure on Mourinho, with Ruben Amorim waiting in the wings.
In a cruel twist, Alvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid were also condemned to the play-offs.
Just minutes before the winner, Trubin inadvertently wasted time, not realising Benfica needed one more goal to progress. In the stands, their directors furiously urged their side on.
Now, having progressed at the death, they will ironically play either Madrid or Inter Milan next.
Arsenal are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Champions League, with odds of just 7/2.
