Mourinho of Benfica praises the keeper’s late goal while Arbeloa regrets Real collapse
Jose Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, called Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over Real Madrid a “historic” accomplishment after his Ukrainian goalie Anatoliy Trubin scored a last-minute goal to guarantee the Lisbon team a Champions League last-16 spot.
After Real Madrid’s hopes of automatic qualifying were shattered and they were forced to settle for a spot in the two-leg playoffs, their frustrated coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, pointed out a long list of his team’s performance flaws.
Trubin’s incredible header in the 98th minute secured Benfica a last-16 spot on goal differential, capping an emotional evening for Mourinho at the Estadio da Luz.
Speaking to Movistar Plus following Benfica’s incredible triumph, the Portuguese manager was clearly moved.
“Being emotional is typical for me. In light of the intense match and the thrilling conclusion, Mourinho remarked, “I think it was deserved. For Benfica, it’s obviously incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid.” The two teams hadn’t played one another since those amazing, far gone days. And now it’s something amazing for the players’ and Benfica’s prestige.”
The teams last faced off in the European Cup quarterfinals in 1965, when Benfica lost the final. They also faced off in the 1962 championship match, which the Portuguese won 5-3.
Trubin, 24, was praised by Mourinho after sending the crowd into a frenzy with his header from a stoppage-time free kick.
The stadium felt like it was about to crumble. “I knew we weren’t through yet, that 3-2 wasn’t enough, and we were lucky with a set piece,” Mourinho recalled. “Our goalie Trubin, who is two meters tall, ran into the box and scored a beautiful goal, a historic goal… Amazing.
On the other hand, after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent out in extra time, Real Madrid’s Arbeloa was forced to lament his team’s lackluster performance, which resulted in them losing a 1-0 lead and finishing with nine men.
The 15-time Champions League champions will now have to try to rescue their European campaign in the playoffs after the loss. “Of course we are far from happy,” the statement reads. On the contrary,” Arbeloa remarked. “We just didn’t step up to the plate in a game where we understood what was on the line.
“I would like to say that this defeat was caused by a single factor, but I believe there were a number of factors, including difficulties with the ball and without it, as well as adversities in duels. We were far apart from the ideal version of ourselves.
Arbeloa stated that tensions boiled over in response to the red cards. Even though you are aware of the consequences, there are occasions when you are unable to manage your emotions. There is nothing more to it than that.
According to Mourinho, the win improved the team’s reputation just as much as their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Following the dismissal of former manager Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s elimination from the Spanish Cup last-16 by second-tier Albacete two weeks ago, Arbeloa must now get his club ready for the playoffs in an effort to turn the team around.
