In a stunning turn of events, Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin became the unlikely hero in a chaotic European night that had it all. The Ukrainian shot-stopper, who has been playing for the Portuguese side since 2023, scored a breathtaking goal in the 98th minute to seal a dramatic 4-2 win over Real Madrid and send his team into the Bigger Cup playoffs.
Trubin's towering header, which was met by none other than Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal, will be remembered as one of the most spectacular moments of the season. The keeper's decision to leg it upfield for a free-kick, which ultimately led to his team's winning goal, has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
It was a night that had seen five English clubs finish in the top eight, but Benfica's victory will keep them in contention for European qualification. The Portuguese side, under the guidance of José Mourinho, are now set to face either Inter or Real Madrid in the playoff round.
Mourinho, who has been praised by fans and pundits alike for his tactical acumen, was visibly relieved after Trubin's goal. "The big guy lit up Bigger Cup with the biggest goal of the night – and probably of the entire league stage since the new Swiss model was introduced last season," he said.
Trubin's goal has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, and it will be a moment to remember for the 24-year-old keeper. His dedication to his country, which motivated him to dedicate the goal to his homeland, Ukraine, has only added to the significance of the moment.
As the Bigger Cup playoffs approach, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament. With so many teams vying for a place in European competition, it's going to be a wild ride. And Trubin's incredible goal will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of football fans for years to come.
Trubin's towering header, which was met by none other than Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal, will be remembered as one of the most spectacular moments of the season. The keeper's decision to leg it upfield for a free-kick, which ultimately led to his team's winning goal, has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
It was a night that had seen five English clubs finish in the top eight, but Benfica's victory will keep them in contention for European qualification. The Portuguese side, under the guidance of José Mourinho, are now set to face either Inter or Real Madrid in the playoff round.
Mourinho, who has been praised by fans and pundits alike for his tactical acumen, was visibly relieved after Trubin's goal. "The big guy lit up Bigger Cup with the biggest goal of the night – and probably of the entire league stage since the new Swiss model was introduced last season," he said.
Trubin's goal has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, and it will be a moment to remember for the 24-year-old keeper. His dedication to his country, which motivated him to dedicate the goal to his homeland, Ukraine, has only added to the significance of the moment.
As the Bigger Cup playoffs approach, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament. With so many teams vying for a place in European competition, it's going to be a wild ride. And Trubin's incredible goal will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of football fans for years to come.
I cant beleev what just happend! Benfica's keeper scoring a goal like that?? 98th minute? Insane! Thibaut Courtois is gonna be shaking his head for weeks 
. And Mourinho's quote about "the big guy" is just pure magic 
. Trubin's dedication to Ukraine is so inspiring, it's not just about the goal, it's about what he represents 
. I'm loving this Bigger Cup playoff drama 
can't wait for the playoffs!
! Like, who expects a keeper to score a goals like that? 
It was such an insane moment on the pitch and I'm still reeling from it 
. Mourinho's praise for him is well-deserved too 
.
his goal was insane, i mean, who expects a keeper to score like that?! it's like he's defying gravity or something 
. Anyways, this just goes to show that in football, anything can happen – even when you least expect it! 
️
The fact that Benfica is still in contention for European qualification is a testament to their team spirit and teamwork. Can't wait to see how this playoffs go down 
he's literally the biggest surprise of the season! who saw that coming? not me, that's for sure 
but wow what a moment for him and benfica! they're definitely in contention now 
Mourinho is so proud of him too 
They didn't deserve that win and I'm pretty sure they're gonna get destroyed by Inter or Real Madrid in the playoffs 
. And have you seen the Swiss model in action? Total joke. All those teams finished top 8 just to miss out on a playoff spot because of some lame format change 
. Trubin's goal was cool and all, but let's not forget that his team got lucky... again 
ana atobin is literally the man 
. and jose mourinho getting all emotional over it 
anyways, benfica's in contention for european qualification now and i'm hyped 
can't wait to see them take on inter or madrid in the playoff round 
his dedication to Ukraine is so inspiring, it gives me chills 
to think he did that for his country 
.
Mourinho's got some serious coaching skills too, that tactical acumen is real 
. His goal is insane, I'll give him that 
that's what it's all about, brother! can't wait for the bigger cup playoffs now... this is gonna be a wild ride!!! 
The way he just legged it upfield for that free-kick was pure genius. And Thibaut Courtois is totally salty about it 
. But for real though, Benfica's victory has sent shockwaves through the football world and I'm HERE. FOR. IT