Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin relives dramatic goal against Real Madrid

February 17, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin relives dramatic goal against Real Madrid

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has described the emotions of his astonishing stoppage-time goal against Real Madrid as "crazy," admitting he is still struggling to fully process the moment that transformed him into an unlikely Champions League hero.

The Ukrainian shot-stopper produced one of football's most extraordinary scenes when he powered home a 98th-minute header to seal a stunning 4-2 victory.

In doing so, Trubin not only secured a dramatic result but also etched his name into European folklore.

From goal preventer to goal scorer

For a player whose career has been defined by keeping the ball out of the net, the experience felt surreal.

Since I started to play football, when I was six, I worked hard and did everything to stop goals.

Now, after one moment, a lot of people know me because I scored a goal.

The 24-year-old confessed that the reaction from supporters has been difficult to comprehend.

It's still crazy for me. Still, sometimes, I can't believe it happened.

After training today, a fan stopped me for a photo and said, "Good goal." That's never happened before.

Dugout confusion adds to the drama

The extraordinary finale was made even more chaotic by confusion on the Benfica bench.

With a technology ban reportedly in place in the dugout, the team initially believed their narrow lead was enough.

Trubin revealed he had been instructed to slow the game down rather than push forward.

We were winning, so I didn't need to rush. I didn't understand at all why the fans started screaming, or why some of my team-mates were pointing at me and shouting, "One, one, one." I just didn't get it.

Only as tension mounted did the true situation become clear.

When we won the free kick, Mister [José Mourinho] signalled for me to go up. That's when I asked someone, "Do we need one more goal?"

The goalkeeper's instinctive finish

What followed was a moment of pure instinct.

Charging into the penalty area, Trubin met Fredrik Aursnes' delivery with the precision of a seasoned striker.

When you play, you don't think. You just do.

Everything happened so fast. Maybe because the cross was perfect, maybe because it just had to happen.

Despite being a goalkeeper, Trubin's movement and finish were flawless.

In that moment, you need to risk. You need to put everything all in.

If I need to score, I need to go right in there. I just ran, and then the movement of my head, it was like I was a striker. It was crazy.

Absolute cinema 🎬

An all-time great Champions League moment 🥰#UCL pic.twitter.com/rl4U1AAEbx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2026

Courtois' gesture leaves lasting impression

Whilst Trubin's goal sparked wild celebrations among Benfica supporters, one of his most cherished memories from the night came after the final whistle.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois approached Trubin to offer congratulations - a gesture that deeply resonated with the Ukrainian.

I respect every goalkeeper a lot, especially Courtois, but after this moment, for me he's even more special.

After a difficult defeat, he came to me with a smile to say congratulations. It showed me he's not just one of the best on the pitch, but off the pitch too.

It's a good example for the younger generation. After a tough defeat, you can show respect.

A night Benfica fans will never forget

Trubin's remarkable intervention capped a night of high drama and secured Benfica's progression, delivering one of the most memorable Champions League moments of the season.

For Trubin, however, the significance runs deeper than the result.