The final matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase delivered a theatrical climax as visiting Real Madrid, despite Mbappé scoring twice, suffered a resilient 4-2 comeback defeat to Benfica. The drama peaked when Benfica goalkeeper Trubin headed in a stoppage-time winner in the 98th minute, sealing the upset. Even more costly for Madrid: Raúl Asensio and Rodrygo were both sent off in stoppage time, leaving them to finish the match with nine men.
Post-Match Rankings: Madrid’s Direct Qualification Dream Shattered; Benfica Snatches Playoff Spot
The result reshaped the league phase standings decisively. Real Madrid, having held the initiative for direct qualification to the round of 16 prior to the match, ultimately finished 9th—falling short of automatic progression and now forced into the brutal playoffs to vie for a knockout stage berth. Conversely, Benfica, once on the brink of elimination, staged a miraculous turnaround: their precious victory propelled them from 24th (bottom) to 24th (penultimate), squeezing into the playoff zone (positions 17–24) via head-to-head record or goal difference advantage. They will now face another non-direct qualifiers from the opposite group for a shot at advancing.
Impact Analysis: Madrid’s Catastrophic Collapse vs. Benfica’s Spirit-Lifting Revival
For Real Madrid, this defeat is catastrophic. Having controlled their path to direct qualification, their 9th-place finish not only denies them the convenience of bypassing the playoffs but also subjects them to a two-legged playoff against another strong non-direct qualifier—adding uncertainty and fatigue to their title defense. The collapse exposed critical flaws: lapses in focus after taking the lead, poor defensive discipline, and fragile mentality under pressure. How quickly Ancelotti can rally his squad to handle the dual pressures of the upcoming Champions League playoffs and domestic commitments remains a stern test.
For Benfica, this is a soul-stirring victory. Trailing in 24th (last) before the match, their fightback—fueled by collective grit and never-say-die spirit—rewrote their fate. The confidence boost from this result will make them a tough nut to crack in the playoffs, as no opponent will relish facing a team that clawed its way back from the abyss.
Trubin’s 98th-minute header, a priceless “golden goal” in stoppage time, will be remembered as the moment that not only decided the match but also redefined both teams’ Champions League journeys.
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