29 January 2026
LISBON — If you ever doubted why José Mourinho retains the moniker “The Special One,” the events of last night at the Estádio da Luz provided a definitive, chaotic, and glorious answer. On a night when Benfica needed a miracle to keep their Champions League campaign alive, they didn’t just find a goal; they found a moment that will be etched into the club’s folklore. And in true Mourinho fashion, it wasn’t a striker who delivered the final dagger, but his goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin.
As the dust settles on the League Phase, Benfica finds itself miraculously through to the Knockout Phase Play-offs, finishing 24th—the absolute final qualification spot—thanks to Trubin’s 98th-minute header. The 4-2 victory didn’t just save Benfica; it sent shockwaves through Europe, condemning defending champions Real Madrid to a ninth-place finish and a perilous two-legged playoff tie.
The “Special” Impact
José Mourinho, who took the reins at Benfica in September 2025, has often spoken of “emotional control” and “moments.” Last night was a masterclass in both. Facing his former club and his “footballing child,” Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa, Mourinho orchestrated a game plan that was equal parts tactical discipline and pure adrenaline.
Despite trailing 2-1 early in the game to Kylian Mbappé’s brace, Benfica refused to crumble. The introduction of Andreas Schjelderup proved inspired, with the young Norwegian netting twice to turn the tide. Vangelis Pavlidis added a penalty, but even at 3-2, Benfica were crashing out on goal difference. Enter Trubin. The Ukrainian shot-stopper’s venture forward for a Fredrik Aursnes free-kick in the dying seconds was a gamble of desperation, but his towering header was a stroke of destiny.
“Sometimes football allows you to achieve more than you planned,” Trubin remarked post-match. For Mourinho, it was vindication. He has turned the Estádio da Luz into a fortress once more, and this result—Benfica’s second win in their last three outings—signals a team peaking at the perfect moment.
Current Form and Squad Status
Benfica’s momentum is undeniable. After a rocky patch earlier in January, including a tough 2-0 loss away to Juventus, the Eagles have responded with back-to-back dominant performances at home.
Last 3 Results:
Won 4-2 vs. Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League)
Won 4-0 vs. Estrela da Amadora (Liga Portugal)
Lost 0-2 vs. Juventus (UEFA Champions League)
The squad appears to have come through the titanic clash unscathed physically, though the emotional toll was immense. Top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis continues to be pivotal, and the emergence of Schjelderup as a big-game player gives Mourinho fresh options in attack. Defensively, the team will need to tighten up after conceding two to Mbappé, but the spirit shown to outscore the Spanish giants is a potent drug.
The Road Ahead: A Date with Destiny?
All eyes now turn to Friday’s playoff draw in Nyon. The twist in the tale? The format of the new Champions League seeding means Benfica (24th) is slated to face a team finishing 9th or 10th. As fate would have it, Real Madrid finished 9th.
There is a very real possibility that Benfica and Real Madrid will have to do it all over again in a two-legged playoff in February. Real Madrid’s official website has already confirmed that their opponent will be either Bodø/Glimt or Benfica.
For Arbeloa’s side, who will be without the suspended Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo for the first leg following their red cards last night, the prospect of facing Mourinho again so soon is daunting. For Benfica, the dream that seemed dead until Trubin’s forehead connected with the ball is now burning brighter than ever.
The Special One has done it again. He has kept the dream alive. Now, the question is: how far can this dream go?