Trubin miracle will live to be talked about in Lisbon decades not only because it scored out Real Madrid but also because it was everything dramatic, improbable and theatrical about football under Jose Mourinho. It was their keeper Anatoly Trubin who in an evening when Benfica were left hanging by the thread provided its goalkeeper with a moment, shook Europe and gave Mourinho a new first, long in his illustrious career, in the period of his writing.
Trubin miracle was acted in the harshest conditions. At the Estadio da Luz, Benfica were trailing Real Madrid 3-2 into deep into the second half of the stoppage time, but that was still not enough. They were also going out of the competition trailing behind on goal difference because the league-phase permutations were very complicated. As matches ended at the same time throughout Europe, there was chaos. Then there was one, last free-kick, one, last roll of dice, and Mourinho mustered up the daringest appeal of the eighty-four games by sending his goalkeeper forward.
To start with there is the pressure of the moment which is important to understand. Real Madrid, European champions 15 times are experts in the late drama. Meanwhile, Benfica had already taken a beating in the process of the champions league campaign, defeated their opening four matches in the league and looking like a dead and buried a few weeks prior. They must not accept their fate meekly, however as Mourinho sides do so often.
Trubin anticipated the ball just in time when the free-kick was played into his box. Rising above defenders with complete confidence the Ukrainian headed in the net. Pandemonium followed. Players ran in every direction, crowds jumped and Trubin topped the entire situation with a knee slide which immediately became the Benfica lore. It was pure football drama.
Nevertheless, what was even more astonishing about the Trubin miracle itself is that the goalie himself admitted that he did not actually know what Benfica needed until the last minutes before the goal. At first, he had been attempting to kill time because the 3-2 lead was sufficient. The truth sank in when teammates wildly were pointing forward in a frenzied manner. One more goal was required. One more act of belief.
Trubin later stated that, at first he did not understand. “Then I saw everyone pointing. We needed one more goal. I just ran.” Trubin aged 24 years and he never scored in his career provided the climax of the Benfica season.
To Mourinho, there was a heavy personal attachment to the night. Making a comeback to Benfica in this season was welcomed with scepticism. Not everyone was sure that the 63-year-old man is still in his prime and is managing by memory and not momentum. The image has been uneven within the domestic. Benfica have done everything to win the league and is yet undefeated but only the 10th place behind Porto. Porto cup do away, early European cup first response contributed to the pressure.
Nevertheless, Mourinho had faith in Trubin as few managers can rely on a goalkeeper. That trust was not blind. It was only a few weeks before that Trubin had satellite in the domestic cup against Porto almost scoring in stoppage time before being conveniently blocked. That rehearsal mattered. Mourinho remembered it.
Mourinho said afterward he knew he could do it. There was also the last action at Porto, where he was present. This execution was perfect, and the repercussions of this case were epic. Benfica shot up the champions league sporting play-offs, with Marseille being the losers.
Last but not least the broader story further supports the Trubin miracle. It is not an easy task to beat Real Madrid, though it was in every way like a movie to beat the former club of Madrid coach Mourinho and to see his former student, Alvaro Arbeloa, sitting on the opposite bench. Even Pep Guardiola acknowledged that he was puzzled when Trubin ran off but it became clear the genius of the gamble at a later stage.
Benfica may now play Real Madrid once more or will pull Inter Milan, which is another club that is so ingrained in the legacy of Mourinho. In any case, one would hardly disapprove additional drama. Mourinho survives in confusion, faith and irrational situations.
Finally, the Trubin miracle was not just the goal at the very last moment. It has been a message concerning bravery, faith and magic of football in Jose Mourinho. In the case of Benfica, it was maintaining a dream in Europe. In the case of Trubin, it brought about immortality. And to Mourinho, it was a reminder that at this point in his career, he still can write nights which seem impossible, until they come true.
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