"The hero of the night was not a striker, but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who rose highest in the 97th minute to power home a header that shook Estadio da Luz. The scenario was clear but daunting: Benfica needed to defeat the Spanish giants by a two-goal margin to overturn a goal-difference deficit and progress to the knockout play-offs. Leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time, the Eagles seemed destined for the Europa League."
"But Jose Mourinho, managing against his former club, had one final card to play. With seconds remaining and a free-kick awarded to the hosts, the goalkeeper came forward. It was a gamble of desperate proportions. As the ball curled into the crowded penalty area, Trubin launched himself above the Madrid defense, meeting the cross with the poise of a seasoned number nine."
Benfica secured passage to the Champions League play-offs by defeating Real Madrid 4-2. Anatoliy Trubin, the goalkeeper, rose in the 97th minute to head home a stoppage-time winner at Estadio da Luz. Benfica required a two-goal victory to overturn a goal-difference deficit and advance; they trailed 3-2 deep into stoppage time and appeared likely to drop into the Europa League. Manager Jose Mourinho introduced a last-ditch tactic by sending the goalkeeper forward for a late free-kick. Trubin met the curling delivery above the Madrid defense, directing the ball into the corner and sealing qualification.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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