In a breathtaking climax to the Champions League group stage, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin emerged as an unlikely hero, scoring a dramatic 98th-minute header to secure a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday. This last-gasp goal propelled Benfica into the playoff round, denying Madrid an automatic spot in the last 16 and capping off a night of high-stakes drama across European football.
Trubin's Heroics Seal Benfica's Fate
With seconds remaining in stoppage time and Benfica leading 3-2, Trubin rose to meet a free-kick, powering home the decisive goal that ensured his side advanced on goal difference. The Ukrainian shot-stopper was immediately mobbed by jubilant teammates, celebrating a moment that will be etched in Champions League folklore. Andreas Schjelderup contributed two goals for Benfica, while Vangelis Pavlidis netted from the penalty spot. For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé scored twice, but their hopes of a top-eight finish were dashed as they finished with 15 points and ended the match with nine men after red cards for Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo.
Barcelona and Sporting Secure Last 16 Berths
Elsewhere, Barcelona staged a commanding second-half comeback to defeat Copenhagen 4-1 at the Camp Nou, sealing a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the last 16. After falling behind early to a goal from 17-year-old Viktor Dadason, Barcelona responded with strikes from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford, finishing fifth in the standings with 16 points.
Sporting Lisbon also booked their place in the last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 away win over Athletic Bilbao. After twice coming from behind, Alisson Santos netted a stoppage-time winner, completing a frenetic match that saw goals from Ousmane Diomande and Francisco Trincão for the Portuguese side.
Bodø/Glimt's Remarkable Comeback
Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt produced a stunning upset, defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 away from home to secure their spot in the knockout stage. After falling behind to an Alexander Sorloth header, Fredrik Sjovold equalised before Kasper Høgh struck the winner in the 59th minute, silencing the home crowd and capping a remarkable European campaign.
Other Key Results and Playoff Implications
In other matches, Internazionale scored twice late to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0, but both teams will enter the playoffs for a knockout spot. Harry Kane came off the bench to score an 84th-minute winner for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven, while Monaco and Juventus played out a cautious 0-0 draw, sending both sides through to the playoffs.
The final group standings saw Arsenal top the table with 24 points, followed by Bayern Munich on 21. The night underscored the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, with goalkeepers turning scorers and underdogs defying odds to keep their European dreams alive.
