Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable goal exemplified a typical Jose Mourinho scenario.
Hollywood screenwriters could not have scripted it better. Most supporters would not even dare to envision it. It was a moment that could only arise from a team guided by the self-proclaimed “Special One.” A 98th-minute header from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin secured a 4-2 victory for José Mourinho’s squad against Real Madrid, earning them a spot in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.
As the 24-year-old Ukrainian advanced up the field at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica’s hopes seemed dashed. Although a brace from Andreas Schjelderup and a penalty from Vangelis Pavlidis had positioned the hosts to secure the three points required for advancement, Kylian Mbappé’s two goals at the other end meant that the Portuguese team was tied with Marseille on goal difference and lagging behind them in goals scored in the Champions League standings.
Jose Mourinho was the one who instructed Anatoliy Trubin to move forward to provide an aerial presence in the box.
Trubin accomplished the extraordinary, heading in one of Benfica's most crucial goals in the last decade 🔥
The Special One ✨ pic.twitter.com/IXsOd5pwAF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2026
However, with Aleksandar Stankovic scoring to make it 3-0 for Club Brugge against Marseille just 10 minutes earlier, there was still life in Benfica’s campaign. That heartbeat surged to ecstatic levels when Trubin leaped over a Madrid defense—reduced to nine players due to red cards issued to Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio—connected with Fredrik Aursnes’ free kick, and headed the ball past Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE 🔥
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scores a 98th-minute goal to keep Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the competition 💥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplus pic.twitter.com/Vqtndh565T
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 28, 2026
Lisbon erupted in celebration, and Trubin quickly became the fastest player on the field as his ecstatic teammates attempted to catch up to him to celebrate his goal. Mourinho sprinted down the touchline, gesturing to the stands and embracing a ballboy along the way. Having entered the match under scrutiny and following criticism from his own club’s supporters, it marked the coach’s first victory against his former team Madrid, and, in his characteristic style, it was achieved in a way that will be remembered.
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Trubin is now only the fifth goalkeeper to score in the Champions League, joining the ranks of Hans-Jörg Butt (who accomplished this three times), Vincent Enyeama, Ivan Provedel, and Sinan Bolat.
Furthermore, Trubin’s header ensured that Benfica will participate in the draw on Friday, where they will face either Internazionale or … you guessed it … Real Madrid. Special.
