Why Mbappe’s hat-trick for Real Madrid wasn’t allowed
A night that spiralled out of control
According to GiveMeSport’s match report from Lisbon, Real Madrid travelled to the Estadio da Luz knowing a positive result would secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16. Instead, they were drawn into one of the most volatile encounters of the European season.
Kylian Mbappe twice gave the Spanish champions the lead, but Benfica responded through Andreas Schjelderup and a Vangelis Pavlidis penalty to swing momentum back in their favour. As tension rose, Real Madrid’s discipline collapsed, with Raul Asencio and Rodrygo both dismissed during a frantic closing spell. Caretaker coach Alvaro Arbeloa could only watch as control slipped away.
The moment that changed everything
The pivotal incident arrived midway through the second half when Mbappe appeared to complete his hat trick, only for the referee to disallow the goal. The decision immediately drew criticism from Real Madrid TV, which questioned the reasoning during its live broadcast.
According to GiveMeSport’s breakdown of the incident, replays showed Mbappe positioned extremely close to goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin as the Benfica keeper attempted to release the ball. The referee judged that Mbappe’s movement interfered with Trubin’s action before the ball was played forward and finished.
Read also: Ranked: The 18 leading candidates to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
What the laws actually say
According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12, an indirect free kick must be awarded if a player prevents a goalkeeper from releasing the ball or attempts to challenge while the ball is still in the keeper’s control.
Officials determined that Mbappe’s positioning breached this law, meaning the goal could not stand under the current rules. While controversial, the decision aligned with the written interpretation applied across UEFA competitions.
Benfica seize the opening
With the goal ruled out, Benfica gained renewed belief. According to GiveMeSport, the Portuguese side pressed forward relentlessly in the closing minutes as Real Madrid struggled with a numerical disadvantage.
The late pressure paid off in extraordinary fashion. In stoppage time, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was sent forward for a free kick and headed home the decisive goal, sealing Benfica’s place in the Champions League playoffs on goal difference.
Read also: Spurs eyes new replacement for Thomas Frank
Confusion fuels Mourinho gamble
Speaking to The Sun after the match, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho admitted there was confusion on the touchline over whether a 3,2 scoreline would be enough to qualify.
“When I substituted António Silva and Ivanovic, I had no idea if 3,2 was enough,” Mourinho said. “When I was told we needed one more goal, honestly I was upset.”
That uncertainty led to the high risk decision to push players forward late on, a gamble that ultimately paid off and left Real Madrid ninth in the standings, just outside the top eight.
Sources: GiveMeSport
Read also: Novak Djokovic calls out ‘disrespectful’ question at Australian Open press conference
Read also: Snowboarder sets World Record with historic 2340 at X Games Aspen
