Benfica's Goalkeeper Stuns Real Madrid with Last-Minute Champions League Heroics
Benfica's goalkeeper Roman Trubin made history by scoring a dramatic 98th-minute header against Real Madrid in the Champions League. His goal sealed a 4-2 win and sent his team into the last-16 playoffs. The Ukrainian shot-stopper later dedicated the moment to his war-torn homeland.
Trubin's late winner marked only the fifth time a goalkeeper has ever scored in the Champions League. Before him, Hans-Jörg Butt (three times), Sinan Bolat, an unnamed Hapoel Tel Aviv keeper, and Ivan Provedel had achieved the feat. His header not only stunned Real Madrid but also ensured Benfica's progression in the competition.
The 23-year-old has repeatedly used his platform to support Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. After the match, he expressed hope that his goal would bring a moment of joy to those suffering back home. Looking ahead, he also believes Ukraine's upcoming World Cup playoff against Sweden could lift spirits further.
Benfica will now face Real Madrid again, this time in a two-legged playoff. The first match takes place in Lisbon on Tuesday, where Trubin's focus will shift to stopping Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid, despite the loss, also advanced to the playoffs and will seek revenge over the two games.
Ukraine's own World Cup dreams remain alive, with a semifinal playoff against Sweden scheduled for late March. A win would secure their first appearance in the tournament in over 20 years.
Trubin's historic goal has given Benfica a crucial advantage heading into their playoff clash. Meanwhile, Ukraine's national team prepares for a high-stakes match that could bring long-awaited football success to a country enduring hardship. Both fixtures will test the goalkeeper's resolve in different ways in the coming weeks.
