Historic Moments in UEFA Champions League: Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s Last-Minute Heroics

omidbasir- Hollywood’s scriptwriters could not have imagined such a scenario, nor would most fans dare to dream it. A moment crafted by none other than the self-proclaimed “Special One,” José Mourinho, culminated in a 98th-minute header from Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, who secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Real Madrid and thus sealed a place in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.

At just 24 years old, the Ukrainian goalkeeper’s ascent up the pitch during the match at Estádio da Luz seemed futile as Benfica’s chances appeared to dwindle. Despite a brace from Andreas Schjelderup and a penalty from Vangelis Pavlidis putting Benfica in a favorable position, Kylian Mbappé’s two goals for Madrid left Benfica level with Marseille on goal difference, trailing in goal scored in the Champions League table.

It was José Mourinho who encouraged Trubin to venture forward, adding an aerial presence to Benfica’s attack. In a moment that will be etched in the club’s history, Trubin accomplished the unimaginable—heading home one of the most significant goals for Benfica in the past decade.

Lisbon erupted as Trubin, now the fifth goalkeeper to score in the Champions League, celebrated with his ecstatic teammates who chased him in sheer joy. Mourinho, who had faced criticism from fans prior to the match, celebrated his first victory against his former club in a manner that ensured it would never be forgotten.

Trubin’s goal ensured Benfica’s advancement to the next stage, where they will face either Inter Milan or Real Madrid again—an encounter filled with poetic justice.

In a broader context, ESPN’s Chris Wright highlights the achievements of the other goal-scoring goalkeepers in Champions League history. This illustrious group includes Ivan Provedel, who made headlines for scoring with the last touch of the game for Lazio against Atlético Madrid, Vincent Enyeama, who netted a penalty for Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Sinan Bolat, the first goalkeeper to score a non-penalty goal in the competition, and Hans-Jörg Butt, who stands as the most prolific goal-scoring goalkeeper in Champions League history with three goals from penalties.

Each of these goalkeepers has left an indelible mark on the tournament, showcasing that even those between the posts can rise to the occasion and become heroes in the most unexpected ways.