Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Eagles Takedown Nine-Men Los Blancos With Ease

In the shock of the tournament, Benfica stunned 15-time winners Real Madrid 4–2 at the Estadio da Luz. Despite a Kylian Mbappe brace, the Spanish giants were undone by a relentless Benfica attack led by Andreas Schjelderup, who netted twice. The drama peaked in stoppage time when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin went up for a corner and incredibly headed home the fourth goal. This historic result sent the record champions tumbling to 9th place, forcing them into the knockout playoffs for the first time under the new format.

Updated on: 29 January 2026 1:37 pm

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Jose Mourinho

Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho runs celebrating at the end of a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

1/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, right, attempts a header at goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

2/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Andreas Schjelderup

Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

3/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, right, celebrates with teammate Gonzalo Garcia after scoring his side's second goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

4/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

5/9

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, right, vies for the ball with Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

6/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior jumps to play the ball during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

7/9

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe attempts a shoot at goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

8/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Tomas Araujo

Benfica's Tomas Araujo, center, goes for a header against Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen, left, during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca

9/9

Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Soccer-Vangelis Pavlidis

Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Benfica and Real Madrid, in Lisbon. | Photo: AP/Armando Franca