Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin attributes goal against Real Madrid to Ukraine.
Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin attributed his Champions League success in the match against Real Madrid to his fellow Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian international netted a thrilling 98th-minute header, securing a 4-2 victory for Benfica and the necessary goal difference to qualify for the Champions League playoffs.
Trubin, who made the move to Benfica in August 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk, 18 months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stated after the match: “For Ukraine. For those who know how to fight till the end.”
The 24-year-old received the match ball, which was signed by his teammates.
He reminisced about his Champions League debut, a 3-2 victory against Real Madrid in October 2020. “[More than] Five years ago – my Champions League debut. Against Real Madrid. Football has a sense of timing.”
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Benfica, under the management of José Mourinho, progressed to the knockout stage with a goal difference of one over Marseille and Pafos.
The Portuguese team and Madrid will be included in the qualifying playoffs draw on Friday for teams that finished ninth through 24th. Benfica concluded the group stage in 24th place, accumulating nine points from eight matches.
