Real Madrid Dropped to Champions League Play-Offs Following Defeat to Benfica
Jose Mourinho ensured his previous club finished ninth in the league stage by guiding Benfica to a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, thanks to a dramatic header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in stoppage time that kept the Portuguese team in the tournament.
This marked the third loss for Madrid this season, and with victories for Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, and Manchester City, it pushed Madrid out of the top eight, forcing them into a two-legged knockout play-off.
"We understood the challenge ahead, the environment we were entering, and how tough it would prove, yet it ultimately overwhelmed us," stated new Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa to Movistar.
"I believe we fell short of the standards required.
"As I have mentioned over the last few days, there is much room for improvement."
Benfica will welcome the additional matches after their goalkeeper Trubin heroically headed in a goal in the 98th minute to secure the final qualification position via goal difference.
Prior to that, Kylian Mbappe scored twice, Andreas Schjelderup added a brace, and Vangelis Pavlidis slotted home a penalty for the home team.
For Mourinho, who managed Madrid from 2010 to 2013, this was his first win against his former side on his second attempt since leaving.
"I feel it was well earned, truly well earned. For Benfica, defeating Real Madrid brings immense prestige," Mourinho commented.
The draw on Friday will determine whether Benfica faces Madrid again or 10th-placed Inter Milan, the team with whom Mourinho triumphed in the competition in 2010.
"I cannot express a preference for either, as I enjoy visiting Madrid greatly though I have not done so recently, and the same applies to Milan," he added.
"Both Madrid and Inter possess the potential to claim the Champions League title, while we are capable of achieving something extraordinary at best."
Benfica dominated the first half and believed they had won a penalty around the 15-minute mark when Jude Bellingham fouled Gianluca Prestianni from behind, but VAR overturned the call.
Mourinho shook his head in frustration shortly after as Prestianni found space on the left side of the Madrid area and curled a superb shot that Thibaut Courtois, using his full 2-metre height, diverted onto the bar.
However, Benfica soon suffered for their wastefulness when Mbappe increased his Champions League goals this season to 12 with a precise header at the back post on the 30-minute mark.
Then it was Madrid's turn to be punished for complacency, as the Portuguese outfit exploited a counter-attack just six minutes later, leaving them exposed.
Landmark Strike
Raul Asencio was the sole Madrid player in their defensive third during Benfica's breakaway, but the young defender lost his footing as Pavlidis evaded him and crossed for Schjelderup to head in.
Benfica finally took the lead they merited when Aurelien Tchouameni tugged at Nicolas Otamendi's shirt during a corner, leading to Pavlidis calmly converting the penalty down the centre in the fifth minute of added time at the end of the first half.
On 54 minutes, the hosts regained possession and attacked swiftly, with Schjelderup delivering another sharp finish after bypassing Asencio near the penalty area.
Rodrygo Goes came on for the underwhelming Franco Mastantuono soon after, linking up on the flank with Arda Guler to tee up Mbappe, who rifled the ball into the net from 15 yards in the 58th minute.
As the game entered the last 20 minutes, the outcome remained uncertain, with Benfica's play-off hopes hinging on other European results.
With Madrid reduced to nine men after late red cards to Asencio and Rodrygo, Benfica appeared headed for disappointment, sitting 25th on nine points, tied with Marseille but trailing in goals scored.
The Estadio da Luz exploded in the dying moments as Trubin became an unexpected saviour, heading in from a free-kick to propel Benfica forward.
"We were fortunate to earn a set-piece where Trubin, standing at two metres, rose to score an outstanding goal, a landmark goal that almost demolished the entire stadium, and I believe it was thoroughly justified for us," Mourinho remarked.