Matchday 8 of the 2025-26 Champions League delivered a thrilling finale as Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable last-minute goal against Real Madrid, clinching a pivotal 4-2 victory. This dramatic moment occurred in the 98th minute when Trubin, needing to secure a goal to improve Benfica’s differential tie-breaker standing against Marseille and Pafos, headed home from a free kick. This victory allows Benfica to advance to the playoffs, under the management of José Mourinho, ensuring their progress into the February knockout rounds.
The defeat was notable for Real Madrid, as they finished in ninth place in the group and will now find themselves as a seeded team in the upcoming two-legged playoffs. As the competition progresses, eight teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 16, including heavyweights such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Chelsea, all of whom qualified with strong overall performances.
Arsenal led the charge, finishing the group stage undefeated with an 8-0-0 record following a narrow 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty. Viktor Gyökeres scored early in the match, and Kai Havertz shone with a gorgeous goal upon returning to the starting lineup after a lengthy absence, reaffirming his pivotal role in the squad.
Bayern Munich secured the second spot in the standings after edging PSV 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring the crucial late goal, bringing his season tally to 35. This showcases not only Bayern’s resilience but also Kane’s remarkable performance since joining the club.
The playoffs will include Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, and other major teams amongst the seeded clubs, with Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, and several others making up the unseeded bracket. Wednesday’s results also marked the end of the road for twelve clubs, including Marseille and Ajax, concluding their European campaigns.
Looking ahead, the draw for the February playoffs is set for Friday at 6 a.m. ET, paving the way for an exciting knockout stage. Fans are gearing up for the matches on February 17-18 and 24-25, leading into the Round of 16 which is scheduled for March. The knockout stage’s anticipation promises to deliver more unforgettable moments in European football, and with clubs still vying for glory, the excitement is palpable across the continent. With teams like Benfica showcasing tenacity and creativity, the future rounds are shaping up to be anything but predictable.