Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's stunning goal has lit up another chaotic night in European football. As his team looked to secure a top-four spot, the Ukrainian shot-stopper proved he has a second career as an outfield attacker.
In a dramatic turn of events, Benfica trailed 3-2 against Real Madrid with just minutes left on the clock. Yet, Trubin's towering header in the 98th minute sealed a 4-2 victory for the Portuguese side. The goal not only gave his team a crucial win but also propelled them into the top eight of the league table.
Trubin's performance was all the more remarkable considering he had been tasked with taking on set pieces by manager José Mourinho, who had made two defensive substitutions just minutes beforehand. As it turned out, the decision to send Trubin forward proved inspired, and his goal will be remembered as one of the highlights of the night.
The result means Benfica will face a playoff against either Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Mourinho's side have secured a spot among the continent's top teams, setting them up for a thrilling finale to the season.
In other news, five English clubs have finished in the top eight of their respective leagues, while Newcastle United missed out on automatic qualification after drawing with PSG. The Italian champions Napoli have been eliminated from contention, marking the end of an exciting but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
As the playoffs approach, there's still much to be decided for several teams vying for a spot among the continent's elite.
In a dramatic turn of events, Benfica trailed 3-2 against Real Madrid with just minutes left on the clock. Yet, Trubin's towering header in the 98th minute sealed a 4-2 victory for the Portuguese side. The goal not only gave his team a crucial win but also propelled them into the top eight of the league table.
Trubin's performance was all the more remarkable considering he had been tasked with taking on set pieces by manager José Mourinho, who had made two defensive substitutions just minutes beforehand. As it turned out, the decision to send Trubin forward proved inspired, and his goal will be remembered as one of the highlights of the night.
The result means Benfica will face a playoff against either Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Mourinho's side have secured a spot among the continent's top teams, setting them up for a thrilling finale to the season.
In other news, five English clubs have finished in the top eight of their respective leagues, while Newcastle United missed out on automatic qualification after drawing with PSG. The Italian champions Napoli have been eliminated from contention, marking the end of an exciting but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
As the playoffs approach, there's still much to be decided for several teams vying for a spot among the continent's elite.
this goal by Trubin is LIFE CHANGING!!! 
I'm dying over here! Who knew our boy was a natural?! 
I mean, can you imagine if he started playing like that all the time? Benfica would be UNSTOPPABLE 
and Mourinho's tactics are pure GENIUS 
. I need to see more of this Trubin guy, he's my new FAVE 
. The playoffs are going to be SO lit 
can't wait to see what happens next!
I mean, what a crazy game! Benfica was down and out, but Trubin comes in out of nowhere and scores the winner. And to make matters more insane, he's been playing set pieces all night 
The playoffs are gonna be so exciting now, lots of teams are fighting for that top spot. I'm rooting for Benfica, fingers crossed they do well in the playoffs! 
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I'm not buying it... Trubin's goal was crazy, don't get me wrong, but is this really what we're celebrating? A goalkeeper scoring a winner in a desperate bid to secure top four? It just feels like another example of how players are being asked to do more and more with less and less support from their teams. And what about the state of football's set piece strategy? Is it really that bad that they have to resort to playing a goalkeeper up front? 
Meanwhile, Mourinho's tactics might be getting some attention for all the wrong reasons...
!!! Who knew that goalkeeper could also score like that?! 
I'm literally on edge just thinking about it...
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but seriously how did he even know to go for the header? was it a clever tactic or just pure instinct? 
Mourinho's tactical decision was insane sending him up front when they were trailing 3-2 it's gonna be a wild ride with the playoffs coming up 
Napoli getting eliminated is a bit of a shame but congratulations to all the teams that made it 
. Meanwhile, five English clubs have done the same in their respective leagues 
. Newcastle United is out though, what a bummer 
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️. Inter Milan could face Benfica for a spot, while Real Madrid still has some business to take care of 
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The way he just took off down the pitch and slotted it past the keeper is still giving me life. What a game-changer for Benfica and Mourinho too - he must be so proud of his team for grinding out that win. 
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, I mean who knew he had it in him? But, gotta say, 98th minute is pretty clutch timing 
. The fact that five English clubs made it to the top eight is also pretty impressive 
and now benfica is all but in 
will be on the edge of my seat 