Jose Mourinho has revealed the details of his post-match conversation with Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, following Benfica's extraordinary 4-2 victory that secured their place in the Champions League play-offs. The dramatic encounter at the Estadio da Luz saw Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin score a sensational 98th-minute header to decide the outcome.
Dramatic Finale Seals Benfica's Fate
With the match entering stoppage time, Benfica appeared destined to miss out on qualification despite holding a 3-2 advantage over Real Madrid. The situation changed dramatically when Madrid had both Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off, and Benfica won a free-kick in a dangerous position. In a remarkable tactical move, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was sent upfield and rose highest to power home a header past Thibaut Courtois, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Mourinho's Assessment of the Victory
The Benfica manager, who previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, shared his thoughts on the incredible finish. 'We knew that he could do it,' Mourinho told TNT Sports regarding Trubin's match-winning contribution. 'We were losing in Porto a couple of weeks ago, he went up there in the last minute and almost scored so we know that the big guy is capable of this.'
Mourinho explained the chaotic final moments from the technical area: 'When I made the changes, the last changes, [Franjo] Ivanovic and Antonio Silva, I was told that it was enough so let's close the door. When I made the changes a few seconds later they tell me, "We need one more goal", but I cannot make more changes. So that was the lucky point, to get the free-kick to allow us to go there with the big guy.'
Tunnel Exchange with Former Player
After the match, Mourinho was seen speaking with Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen in the tunnel, with TNT Sports reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt overhearing the Portuguese manager uttering 'F***inghell' to summarise the extraordinary contest.
'Dean was my player at Roma, he's friends with my kids and the families know each other well so I have a good relationship with him,' Mourinho explained about their reunion. 'We were just speaking about the game and, of course, the kid is disappointed. But I was telling him, "You were lucky! You were lucky to lose only 4-2", because it could be more.'
Goalkeeper Hero Almost Lost for Words
Match-winner Anatoliy Trubin struggled to articulate his emotions following his unprecedented contribution. 'I don't know. I scored a goal!' the Ukraine international laughed. 'For me, it's unbelievable, something I have never had before so I don't know how to react.'
Trubin described the build-up to his historic moment: 'When we received the free-kick, after that I understand because everyone, the bench, the players on the pitch, shouted to me, point at me, saying, "Go! Go! Go!", and I asked when I come there whether we need one more goal. Thank God I did it. We did it.'
The goalkeeper added: 'Maybe I still cannot understand at all [the feelings] but unbelievable... I don't know what more to say because it's crazy. It's such an important goal for us, for the fans, for Benfica. We go to the play-offs so it's unbelievable.'
Implications for Both Clubs
The result means Benfica secured 24th place in the table, earning them an unseeded spot in next month's two-legged play-offs. Real Madrid, meanwhile, finished in ninth position, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification. They will also enter the play-offs, but as one of the seeded teams, setting up potential dramatic encounters in the next phase of the competition.
Mourinho's tactical acumen and his team's never-say-die attitude proved decisive in a match that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic conclusions to a Champions League group stage encounter in recent memory.
