Trubin’s 98th‑minute header sends Benfica into Champions League playoffs

Anatoliy Trubin scored a 98th-minute header as Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 on Wednesday to secure a Champions League knockout playoff place and deny Real an automatic spot in the last 16. Benfica had been heading out despite leading 3-2 with seconds of stoppage time remaining before Trubin met a free-kick to score the goal they needed to get into the playoff round on goal difference.

Andreas Schjelderup scored twice and Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty for Benfica, while Kylian Mbappé scored twice for Real Madrid. Real finished the match with nine men after Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off. Trubin’s late goal also had wider consequences: Marseille slipped out of 24th spot and exited the competition after a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge, a result that lifted the Belgian side into the playoff positions.

Barcelona sealed a top-eight finish and direct last-16 qualification with a 4-1 comeback win over Copenhagen at the Camp Nou, with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford after Viktor Dadason had opened the scoring. Sporting Lisbon reached the last 16 with an added-time winner from Alisson Santos in a 3-2 win at Athletic Bilbao after twice coming from behind.

Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 to reach the knockout stage.

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