Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin recalls historic Real Madrid goal
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has reflected on his famous stoppage-time Champions League goal against Real Madrid and an undefeated domestic season under manager Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old Ukrainian made global headlines when he headed home a 98th-minute winner against the 15-time European champions to secure knockout stage qualification.
It was a moment so extraordinary that even his own mother struggled to believe the final scoreline.
“She was thinking maybe she was being stupid or something,” Trubin said. “It was a funny moment.”
Life after the spectacular header
Four months on from the wild celebrations at the Estadio da Luz, the Lisbon-based shot-stopper admits the dramatic intervention changed his life.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk prospect still receives regular messages about the incident, including humorous remarks from rival Barcelona supporters.
Despite the bitter sting of defeat, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois sought out the victorious goalscorer immediately after the final whistle.
“He came up to congratulate me right after the game,” Trubin recalled. “Even when his team had lost the game, he still had the strength to do that.”
An undefeated domestic campaign falls short
While European exploits provided incredible highs, the Portuguese league campaign proved deeply frustrating for the Eagles.
Benfica completed an ‘invincible’ domestic season without suffering a single defeat, achieving a feat not seen at the club since 1978.
However, an astonishing 11 draws meant Mourinho’s side could only manage a third-place finish in the top flight.
“Not losing and winning are two different things,” the Ukrainian international admitted. “Our fans do not accept any other result than winning and being in first place.”
Developing a cold head under pressure
Despite the collective disappointment of falling short in the title race, the towering goalkeeper believes his individual game has matured significantly.
The 24-year-old highlighted an increased calmness as his most crucial developmental step over the past season.
“I like that in difficult moments, I can still keep a cold head,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the commanding number one insists he is not trying to emulate his peers, but rather forge his own unique path in European football.