Madrid condemned to Champions League play-off after Benfica loss

AFP Wed, 28 January 2026 at 10:21 pm UTC·4 min read Jose Mourinho condemned his former employers to a ninth-placed finish in the league phase as his Benfica side beat Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a stoppage-time header by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin keeping the Portuguese alive in the competition. A third defeat of the campaign for Madrid, coupled with wins for Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City, meant Madrid finished ninth and will have to play the two-legged knockout play-off round.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benfica, on the other hand, will not turn their noses up at the extra game after 'keeper Trubin sensationally...