Sudden Panic Attack on Benfica's Bench

A failure to adhere to Champions League group stage rules nearly destroyed Benfica's hopes of advancing to the round of 16. Jose Mourinho's team was comfortably ahead against Real Madrid in stoppage time. However, a member of Mourinho's staff noticed something dangerous. This awareness sparked panic and ultimately paved Benfica's way to the playoffs.

Everything was going according to plan for Benfica as the match against Real entered the 96th minute. Referee Davide Massa added eight minutes of stoppage time, with Benfica leading 3-2 thanks to goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis. Real Madrid responded through Kylian Mbappé (two goals). Feeling assured of a playoff spot, Benfica's players and coaching staff were reassured.

However, that sense of calm turned out to be deceptive. One of Mourinho's staff noticed something unusual. He saw the league standings table, which did not show Benfica in a safe position.

Benfica and Marseille are competing for the last available spot in the playoffs. Both teams have the same points and goal difference. An important aspect that nearly escaped the attention of Mourinho and his staff is that Benfica is actually at a disadvantage in terms of goal productivity.

This means that a 3-2 advantage is not enough for Benfica to displace Marseille from the 24th position in the temporary standings. Benfica needs at least one additional goal to eliminate Marseille. It is not too late for Benfica to realize this, as there are still two minutes of extra time remaining when the staff promptly informed Mourinho to adopt a more aggressive attacking approach.

"When I made the last substitution, I was told we had enough (to qualify). Then a few seconds later, they (the staff) told me we needed one more goal. But I couldn't make any more substitutions," Mourinho said in an interview with CBS after the match at the Da Luz Stadium, Benfica, Portugal, on Thursday (January 29, 2026) early morning WIB.

The fact that a 3-2 advantage was not enough to secure a place on the bench caused Benfica's initially calm atmosphere to suddenly be enveloped in panic. Coaching staff and several players who were previously seated immediately stood up.

Mourinho, who had no opportunity to substitute players to change the outcome of the match, seemed at a loss. He could only hope that his players would find a way to score additional goals.

As time was running out, Benfica was awarded a free kick on the left side of Real's defense. Mourinho, with his experience, immediately had a bold idea. He promptly ordered goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to advance into Real's penalty area.

In that moment, Mourinho risked everything. He could score another goal that would have meant a playoff spot, or concede to a quick Real Madrid counterattack with all his players already in the opposition penalty area.

Mourinho ultimately won the gamble. The nearly 2-meter-tall Trubin won the aerial duel against David Alaba and Federico Valverde. Thibaut Courtois was beaten by Trubin's close-range header. The stadium erupted in cheers for Trubin's crucial goal. The 4-2 victory secured Benfica 24th place, the final spot for a team to qualify for the round of 16 playoffs.

So silent was the danger lurking for Benfica that Trubin and his teammates admitted they did not understand why Mourinho asked them to continue pursuing one more goal despite already being ahead. In fact, Trubin even deliberately delayed time while taking a free kick, believing that his team was already assured of advancing with a narrow lead of 3-2.

"I did not realize what we needed (to qualify). Tomás (Araujo) and Antonio (Silva) were saying 'one, one', and I said, 'What?'. But then I saw everyone urging me to move forward. I also saw the coach (commanding me to advance), so I moved forward, entered the penalty area, and I did not know. I did not know what to say. It was a crazy moment. I am not used to scoring goals. I am 24 years old and this is the first time. Incredible," said Trubin.

Mourinho, half-convinced that his team could score additional goals, shouted with joy. He acknowledged that Benfica was not superior in aerial duels. For this reason, Mourinho thought of encouraging Trubin to move forward to meet the free-kick cross from Fredrik Aursnes.

Luck or good fortune played a role here. Benfica benefited after Real was reduced to nine players due to Rodrygo and Raul Asencio receiving red cards during stoppage time. With a numerical advantage, Benfica was able to win aerial duels that had not been their strength this season.

Trubin's goal serves as an additional lifeline for Benfica, who are experiencing a challenging season. The success in maintaining their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 in the Champions League compensates for their failures in two domestic cup tournaments. Benfica is currently still competing in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League.

The miracle would not occur if Benfica's bench remained shrouded in oblivion until the end of the match. Benfica is indeed destined to continue advancing. Lady Luck still embraces them, so with two crucial minutes remaining, the struggle for the round of 16 can still be maintained.