Mourinho’s Benfica drag Real Madrid with them to Champions League playoffs

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by News AgenciesJanuary 29, 2026 at 12:16 AM

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On January 28, 2026, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in a Champions League match that dramatically altered both teams' fates. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a header in the 98th minute, securing Benfica's playoff spot and preventing Real Madrid from automatically advancing to the last 16. The victory, celebrated by Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, pushed Benfica into the playoff round on goal difference, eliminating Marseille. Real Madrid, despite two goals from Kylian Mbappe, finished with nine players after two red cards and missed the top eight. The match's outcome highlights the impact of a single goal in the competition's format.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lisbon 40% Club Brugge 40% Marseille 40% Rodrygo 50% Raul Asencio ×250% Vangelis Pavlidis 50% Andreas Schjelderup 60% Jose Mourinho 70% Kylian Mbappe ×270% Anatoliy Trubin ×380% Benfica ×990% Real Madrid ×690%

Keywords

champions league 100% benfica 90% real madrid 90% playoffs 90% anatoliy trubin 70% goal difference 70% jose mourinho 60% football 50% kylian mbappe 50%