Champion Leagues

Meet Anatoliy Trubin – the keeper who scored vs Real Madrid and snubbed rival

byFootball Insomnia

February 17, 2026

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3 minute read

Meet Anatoliy Trubin – the keeper who scored vs Real Madrid and snubbed rival

Who is Anatoliy Trubin? Benfica keeper scored vs Real Madrid and snubbed Russian rival – The Mirror

Need to know

Real Madrid reunite with Benfica in the Champions League after keeper Anatoliy Trubin’s goal ruined their chances of an automatic route into the last 16

Anatoliy Trubin will look to guide Benfica to another piece of Champions League history against Real Madrid(Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about Anatoliy Trubin

Historic Stoppage-Time Goal: Anatoliy Trubin made global headlines in January by scoring a 98th-minute header against Real Madrid during the final match of the league phase.^{The remarkable last-gasp effort secured a 4-2 victory for Benfica and ensured their survival in the competition.}
Champions League Qualification: Trubin’s goal was critical because it allowed Benfica to leapfrog into the 24th and final play-off spot based on goal difference.^{Conversely, the result forced Real Madrid out of the top eight, stripping them of automatic qualification for the round of 16, as well as knocking out Marseille.}
Rare Milestone: By finding the net, Trubin became only the fifth goalkeeper in history to score in the Champions League.^{He is also the first goalkeeper ever to score an official goal for Benfica since the club’s inception.}
Professional Background: Born in Donetsk, Ukraine, in 2001, Trubin developed his skills at the Shakhtar Donetsk academy before moving to Lisbon in 2023.^{He quickly established himself as Benfica’s first-choice keeper and has earned more than 25 caps for the Ukraine national team.}
Golovin Handshake Incident: Beyond his performance on the pitch, Trubin has drawn attention for repeatedly refusing to shake hands with Monaco’s Russian midfielder, Aleksandr Golovin.^{This occurred during their Champions League meetings in November 2024 and again in February 2025.}
Geopolitical Tensions in Sport: Trubin’s refusal to engage in the traditional pre-match handshake is a personal protest linked to the ongoing Russian invasion of his home country. These actions highlight how international conflicts can influence personal conduct on the global stage.
Mourinho’s Tactical Influence: Under the guidance of manager Jose Mourinho, Trubin has flourished as a “sweeper-keeper” who is essential to Benfica’s defensive and offensive transitions. Mourinho’s familiarity with his former club, Real Madrid, adds another tactical dimension to Trubin’s role in the play-off tie.
Anticipation for the Rematch: As Benfica host Real Madrid tonight at the Estadio da Luz, all eyes will be on whether Trubin can replicate his heroics against the Spanish giants.^{The match serves as the first leg of a knockout play-off that will determine which side advances to the round of 16.}
READ MORE: Benfica’s GOALKEEPER scores last-gasp goal against Real Madrid to stay in Champions League