Goalkeeper Scored Against Real Madrid and Real Fall Into Playoffs After Dramatic Defeat in Lisbon

Mbappé brace not enough as Benfica secure qualification in chaotic 4-2 win

Real Madrid will once again have to navigate the Champions League play-offs after a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Benfica saw them finish ninth in the league-phase standings.

A brace from Kylian Mbappé briefly kept Madrid in contention, but defensive lapses, late red cards and a remarkable stoppage-time goal from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin proved decisive on a rain-soaked night in Lisbon.

The result means Madrid could yet face Benfica again over two legs for a place in the round of 16.

Benfica start fast in driving rain

Knowing victory was essential to keep their European campaign alive, Benfica began aggressively and almost scored inside seven minutes as a corner caused chaos in the six-yard box before deflecting just wide.

Thibaut Courtois was quickly into action, producing a superb one-on-one save before controversy followed. Benfica were initially awarded a penalty after Jude Bellingham was adjudged to have fouled Gianluca Prestianni, but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.

The Belgian goalkeeper then denied Prestianni again with a brilliant long-range save as Benfica’s pressure mounted. Real struggled to escape their own half, though Arda Güler reminded the hosts of Madrid’s threat with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

Madrid strike — but can’t hold on

Despite being second best, Real took the lead on the half-hour. Benfica switched off at the back, allowing Mbappé to drift unmarked to the far post and head home a cross from Raúl Asencio.

The lead lasted just six minutes. Benfica responded through Andreas Schjelderup, who headed in as Madrid were caught out defensively.

Benfica should have gone ahead soon after. Federico Valverde made a vital block with Courtois stranded, before Leandro Barreiro missed a golden chance by heading wide from close range.

Just before half-time, Benfica were awarded another penalty — this time upheld — and Vangelis Pavlidis converted despite Courtois getting a hand to the ball.

Chaos after the break

Real Madrid emerged calmer after the interval and nearly equalised when Vinícius Júnior headed over from close range, though the pace on the cross made it a difficult chance.

Moments later, disaster struck. Benfica countered at speed and Schjelderup struck again, firing past Courtois at his near post to make it 3-1.

Madrid responded immediately. Güler slipped Mbappé through, and the Frenchman finished first time to pull it back to 3-2 and reignite hope.

Red cards and a goalkeeper’s goal

As Madrid hovered on the brink of dropping out of the top eight, it was Benfica who continued to press, with Courtois producing a string of saves to keep the scoreline intact.

The closing stages descended into chaos. Madrid were reduced to nine men, with Raúl Asencio sent off for a second yellow and Rodrygo also dismissed after picking up two bookings.

With both sides needing a late goal for different reasons, Benfica delivered the final blow in stoppage time. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin came forward for a free-kick and headed past Courtois with the last touch of the game to seal a remarkable 4-2 victory.

What next?

Benfica advance to the play-offs — where they could yet meet Real Madrid again — while Álvaro Arbeloa’s side must regroup quickly ahead of their La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano on February 1.