Benfica stun Real Madrid in Champions League epic to seal knockout playoff

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

 SL Benfica produced one of the most dramatic upsets in recent UEFA Champions League history on Wednesday, defeating Real Madrid 4-2 at the Estádio da Luz to squeeze into the knockout playoff on the final matchday of the league phase.

Under manager José Mourinho, Benfica twice fought back from deficits, weathered intense pressure, and capitalized on late Real Madrid indiscipline to claim a result few predicted against the 15-time European champions.

Real Madrid struck first in the 30th minute when defender Raúl Asencio launched a deep delivery into the box, allowing Kylian Mbappé to rise unmarked and head past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin for a 1-0 lead.

Benfica responded swiftly. In the 36th minute, Vangelis Pavlidis drove down the right and delivered a precise cross for Andreas Schjelderup to head powerfully into the net and level the score at 1-1.

The first half ended in controversy: a late challenge by Aurélien Tchouaméni on Georgiy Sudakov earned Benfica a penalty in stoppage time. Pavlidis stepped up and coolly sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to make it 2-1 just before the interval.

Benfica extended their advantage early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Schjelderup latched onto a slick team move and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner for his second goal and a 3-1 cushion.

Mbappé pulled one back four minutes later, finishing clinically inside the near post to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finale.

Real Madrid’s challenge unraveled in the closing stages. Raúl Asencio received a second yellow card in the 92nd minute for a cynical foul, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Rodrygo followed in the 97th minute, collecting a second booking for dissent and leaving Real with nine players.

The decisive moment arrived in the 90+8th minute. From a free kick deep in Real Madrid territory, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin surged forward, won the aerial duel inside the penalty area, and planted a header into the left corner to seal a remarkable 4-2 victory.

The result highlighted Benfica’s resilience and tactical discipline under Mourinho, who made timely substitutions, including introducing Antonio Silva and Franjo Ivanovic late on, to protect the lead.

The outcome ensures Benfica progress to the knockout rounds, while Real Madrid also qualified for the playoff.