Sun Feb 01 10:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Trubin’s Heroics Send Benfica to Champions League Playoffs, Setting Up Mourinho Rematch Against Real Madrid
The Story:
In a stunning turn of events, Benfica secured a Champions League playoff spot thanks to a last-minute header from their goalkeeper, Anatoly Trubin. This dramatic victory propelled Benfica into the top 16, while simultaneously knocking Real Madrid out of the automatic qualifying spots. The draw has pitted Benfica against Real Madrid in a highly anticipated two-legged tie, offering former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho a chance to defeat his old club.
Key Points:
* Anatoly Trubin’s last-minute goal secured Benfica’s playoff spot.
* Real Madrid dropped out of the top-eight automatic qualifying places.
* Benfica will face Real Madrid in the Champions League playoff round.
* Jose Mourinho, Benfica’s coach, will face his former club, Real Madrid.
* Other notable matchups include PSG vs. Monaco, Juventus vs. Galatasaray, and Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan.
* The two-legged matches will be played on February 17-18 and February 24-25.
Key Takeaways:
* Goalkeepers can be decisive goalscorers in critical moments.
* The Champions League playoff format creates opportunities for dramatic upsets.
* Former rivalries and managerial storylines add significant intrigue to the competition.
* Benfica has a strong recent record against Real Madrid in European competitions.
First Piper 