Benfica's stoppage-time goalkeeper header stunned Real Madrid and sent both Madrid and PSG into Champions League qualifying playoffs; punters should expect unpredictable knockout ties and consider backing underdogs or longer markets as suspensions, late-match drama and extra fixtures could dent the favourites' form.
Benfica Dump Real Madrid into Champions League Playoffs in Dramatic Fashion
Benfica produced one of the competition’s most sensational moments as a stoppage-time header by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sealed a 4-2 win over Real Madrid, plunging the Spanish giants into the qualifying playoffs. The result, and a string of late twists across Europe, reshuffled the top-eight standings and handed Madrid an unexpected extra hurdle on the road to the round of 16.
How the Shock Unfolded
Real Madrid went into the night third in the 36-team standings but slipped to ninth after the defeat in Lisbon. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, yet Madrid conceded four and were reduced to nine men following red cards shown to Raul Asencio and Rodrygo minutes before Trubin’s dramatic stoppage-time header put Benfica through on goal difference in 24th place.
PSG and Newcastle Drop Into Playoff Spots After Draw
Title holder Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle both started the evening inside the top eight but a 1-1 draw in Paris saw them fall to 11th and 12th respectively. PSG faces the same qualifying playoff route it navigated last season — an extra pair of knockout ties in February — extending its campaign and potentially increasing fixture congestion.
Other Late Movers and Standings Drama
Sporting Lisbon grabbed a stoppage-time winner at Athletic Bilbao to leapfrog Madrid and secure a top-eight finish. Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City also sealed direct progression to the round of 16. Arsenal topped the table with a perfect eight-win record, while Bayern Munich had already confirmed second place.
Underdogs and Notable Qualifications
Bodø/Glimt clinched a popular knockout spot by beating Atlético Madrid 2-1, claiming 23rd place and rewarding their Arctic Circle upset over Manchester City earlier in the group stage. Marseille’s hopes were ended after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge, which pushed them down to 25th place. Napoli were surprisingly ousted in 30th after a 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea.
The Full Playoff Contenders
Teams set for the qualifying playoffs include Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, Qarabag, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Olympiakos, Benfica and several others who finished between ninth and 24th. The playoff draw is scheduled for Friday.
What This Means for Punters
The late-season volatility — red cards, stoppage-time goals and surprise group winners — suggests heightened unpredictability in the playoffs. Expect favourites to be vulnerable in short ties; value can be found in underdog single-match markets, longer accumulators, or outright bets that account for extra fixtures and suspension-induced squad rotation.
Real Madrid's Arbeloa like one of my 'children', says Mourinho
Real Madrid was stunningly dumped into the qualifying playoffs of the Champions League by its former coach José Mourinho — whose Benfica team advanced on a last-gasp goal by its goalkeeper — on Wednesday and will be joined there by title holder Paris Saint-Germain.
Sportsnet
