Real Madrid suffered a chaotic and embarrassing 4-2 defeat to Benfica on Wednesday night, with an improbable stoppage-time header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sealing a famous Champions League win for the Portuguese side.
Despite Kylian Mbappé scoring twice, Los Blancos were second best throughout and completely lost control late on, finishing the match with two red cards and dropping into the Champions League play-off round. Wild celebrations erupted at the Estádio da Luz as Benfica secured their place in the last 16.
Madrid struggled from the outset and never truly imposed themselves in the first half. Benfica, well-organised and dangerous on the counter, repeatedly exposed Madrid’s defensive weaknesses. Still, the visitors took an undeserved lead when Mbappé nodded home with his first meaningful touch of the match.
The hosts responded deservedly. In the 36th minute, Andreas Schjelderup finished off a sweeping counter-attack, his header slipping through Thibaut Courtois’ legs. Benfica then turned the match around just before half-time when Aurélien Tchouaméni clumsily shoved his opponent in the box, allowing Vangelis Pavlidis to calmly convert the resulting penalty.
Things went from bad to worse for Madrid early in the second half. Benfica struck again on the break, with Schjelderup completing his brace to make it 3-1. Madrid responded almost immediately as Mbappé fired home from an Arda Güler cross to give the visitors renewed hope.
However, Madrid’s push for an equaliser descended into chaos. In stoppage time, both Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off, leaving the Spanish giants with nine men. The drama wasn’t over yet. With Benfica needing one more goal to advance, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin astonishingly headed home from a late free-kick to cap off a remarkable night.
The result potentially sets up another meeting between the two sides in February, with Benfica or Bodø/Glimt awaiting Madrid in the play-off round.
Player Ratings – Real Madrid
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (5/10):
Made several decent saves but was nutmegged for the first goal, guessed wrong on the penalty, and was helpless for the third and fourth.
Federico Valverde (5/10):
Frequently caught out on the right flank and left Asencio exposed too often.
Raúl Asencio (4/10):
Tormented in the build-up to Benfica’s equaliser and dismissed for a needless second yellow card. Assisted Mbappé’s opener.
Dean Huijsen (6/10):
Did a solid job covering defensively, though it isn’t his natural strength. Harshly substituted.
Álvaro Carreras (5/10):
Lacked positional discipline, especially in the first half, as Benfica repeatedly attacked down his side.
Midfield
Aurélien Tchouaméni (5/10):
Conceded a needless penalty and was too slow in possession.
Arda Güler (6/10):
Lost the ball too often and was physically overpowered in midfield. Looked far more effective out wide.
Jude Bellingham (6/10):
Worked tirelessly and battled hard, but had limited influence in attacking areas.
Attack
Franco Mastantuono (5/10):
Provided width but lacked sharpness and precision on the ball.
Kylian Mbappé (8/10):
Scored twice and carried Madrid’s attacking threat. Brief injury scare, but ultimately the only bright spot on a poor night.
Vinícius Jr (5/10):
Largely anonymous in the first half. Showed more intent after the break but was double-marked and rarely released the ball.