Anatoliy Trubin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper for Benfica, scored a 98th-minute header against Real Madrid on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, securing his team’s place in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase and entering an exclusive historical record.
His goal made him only the fifth different goalkeeper ever to score in the competition. The dramatic 4-2 victory at the Estádio da Luz propelled Benfica into 24th place in the league phase standings. Real Madrid, reduced to nine men in added time, consequently dropped to ninth and must now contest the play-offs.
With a made history
This single moment connected Trubin to the list of goalkeepers scoring in the UCL. The exclusive list of scoring goalkeepers includes Hans-Jörg Butt, who netted three penalties, Sinan Bolat, Ivan Provedel, and Vincent Enyeama. Trubin’s goal was the first by a goalkeeper since Provedel’s header for Lazio in September 2023.
With mere seconds remaining in stoppage time, Trubin ventured forward. Benfica won a free-kick in the final attacking move of the match. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joined his teammates in the penalty area and connected perfectly with the delivery. His powerful header flew past Thibaut Courtois, sealing a legendary victory.
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The goal crowned a personal milestone for Trubin in his second season with Benfica. The Ukrainian international joined the Portuguese club from Shakhtar Donetsk in August 2023. He has since established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, with these Champions League matches being his most prominent stage yet.
Trubin’s name is now permanently etched in Champions League lore. He has achieved a feat most goalkeepers never even attempt. His last-gasp header secured a legacy-defining moment for himself, his team, and his manager.
