Benfica beat Real Madrid as chaotic final day decides Champions League groups
Benfica beat Real Madrid 3-2 at the Estádio da Luz on the final day of the Champions League group stage, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin heading a last‑gasp winner to send Benfica into the knockout phase and leave Real Madrid facing the playoffs. The match ended in scenes of wild celebration from José Mourinho after Benfica’s late goal; Mourinho said: “I was told [the scoreline] is enough, so let’s close the door.” Trubin’s headed goal from Fredrik Aursnes’s corner was described as a bullet, and Andreas Schjelderup scored twice and said: “I should have scored four goals today.” Mourinho’s Benfica beat Real Madrid for the first time in his career, the report says.
Five of the top eight teams who skip the so‑called “punishment round” are from the Premier League: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City. Arsenal completed a perfect eight wins from eight, while Chelsea’s win at Napoli featured João Pedro scoring twice and was called a significant victory in Liam Rosenior’s early days as head coach.
Newcastle drew 1-1 with Paris Saint‑Germain and will enter the knockout round; manager Eddie Howe said the Premier League’s strength “can only make you better.” Sporting Lisbon edged out Real Madrid, PSG and Inter to finish seventh after Alisson Santos’s 94th‑minute winner secured a 3-2 win over Athletic Club; Rui Borges praised his players’ commitment.
Villarreal and Athletic were among the La Liga clubs to exit at the group stage.
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