Goalkeeper’s goal against Real nominated for Champions League best goal
Anatolii Trubin sends Benfica to Champions League knockout stage (x.com/slbenfica_en)
Anatolii Trubin’s goal against Real Madrid not only allowed Lisbon’s Benfica to advance in the Champions League, but it has also been recognized as one of the best strikes of the decisive group-stage round, according to the official UEFA website.
Trubin’s competitors
Alongside Trubin’s masterpiece, the contenders for the best goal include:
-
Midfielder Vlad Dragomir of Cypriot Pafos – a powerful strike in the 4-1 win over Slavia Prague.
-
Forward João Pedro of Chelsea – a double contribution in the 3-2 victory over Napoli, including a stunning second goal.
-
Defender Federico Dimarco of Inter – a perfectly executed free kick in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund.
You can vote for the best goal via this link.
“I didn’t know we needed another goal”
In the 90+8th minute, Trubin went into Real Madrid’s penalty area for a set-piece and directed the ball into the net with a precise header. This goal sealed the final score at 4-2 in favor of the Portuguese club.
Before Trubin’s goal, the score was 3-2 – not enough for Benfica to advance to the knockout stage. With an equal goal difference, the team was behind French side Marseille on tiebreakers.
Despite having a numerical advantage at the end of the game following a Real red card, the Lisbon side did not rush. Trubin himself even delayed a few restarts, unaware of the tournament calculations.
After the match, the Ukrainian goalkeeper admitted that until the final moments, he didn’t realize the team still needed another goal.
"I didn’t understand what we needed. Tomás Araújo and António Silva said: ‘One, we need one more.’ At first, I didn’t get it, but then I saw everyone signaling me to go forward – even the coach. I went into the box and… it was a crazy moment," Trubin told A Bola.
Trubin scores against Real
"I’m not used to scoring. I’m 24, and this is my first goal. It’s incredible," the goalkeeper added.
In the group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League, Trubin played eight matches, conceding 12 goals while keeping two clean sheets.
Dedicated the goal to Ukraine
On his personal Instagram account, the Ukrainian keeper wrote that he dedicates the goal to his country.
"For Ukraine. For those who know how to fight till the end," Trubin wrote
