Benfica Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin had an unforgettable night in the Champions League, as he scored a vital goal against Real Madrid that'll be remembered for a long time. Jose Mourinho's side sealed a dramatic Champions League knockout spot in the most thrilling fashion, thanks to a last-gasp winner. With the game deep into stoppage time, they were on the brink of elimination despite leading 3–2, until Anatoliy Trubin rose to meet a free-kick in the 98th minute and headed home. The goal completed a stunning 4–2 win over Real Madrid, sending Benfica through on goal difference and denying the Spanish giants an automatic place in the last 16. Pure late-night European drama.
Who is Anatoliy Trubin? His career so far
Born in Donetsk, Anatoliy Trubin rose through the youth ranks at Azovstal-2 Mariupol before joining Shakhtar Donetsk’s academy in 2014. He made his senior debut in 2019 and truly broke through in the 2020–21 season, replacing club legend Andriy Pyatov and impressing in the Champions League, including standout performances against Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Trubin continued to shine in Europe, notably saving three penalties against Rennes in the 2023 Europa League playoffs, and played a key role as Shakhtar won the league title. After a failed move to Inter Milan, he joined Benfica in August 2023. Following an initial spell as backup, he earned the No.1 spot. He has etched his name into history now by scoring a dramatic late header against Real Madrid, becoming just the fifth goalkeeper ever to score in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho reaction to Benfica's historic 4-2 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League
Mourinho said the following words in his interview to Movistar: “I think we deserved it, we really deserved it. Kylian had two chances, and scored two goals. For Benfica, it's incredibly prestigious to beat Real Madrid. It's fantastic.”
He furthermore mentioned to Paramount+ of the confusion he had which ultimately delivered late drama:
“When I made the last changes, [Franjo] Ivanovic and [Antonio] Silva, I was told [the scoreline] is enough, so let's close the door.
“A few seconds later, then they tell me we need one more goal, but I cannot make more changes. That was the lucky point, to get the free kick, to allow us to go there with the big guy.
“I’ve won and lost many matches, but I had never won one with my goalkeeper scoring in the last minute. I thought I had seen everything in football, but in the end, I hadn’t.”
Our opinion on Anatoliy Trubin's heroics for Benfica against Real Madrid in the Champions League
Benfica's 4-2 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League is a reminder of how thrilling and unbelievably special football is at its very best. Such edge-of-the-seat games rarely happen in football, and those who saw this game live are extremely lucky. As for Anatoliy Trubin, he's still just 24 and could one day end up at a top European club. No matter what happens for the rest of his career, the Ukrainian Goalkeeper is sure to always remember this moment as one of the most special memories of his career.
