Real Madrid missed out on automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, crumbling to a 4-2 defeat at Benfica on a thrilling final night of group-stage action.
Kylian Mbappe’s goal had put the 15-time winners on course for the win they needed to secure a top-eight finish, but their night ended in chaos as Jose Mourinho’s Benfica roared back.
Benfica were still heading for elimination despite leading 3-2 but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored their fourth goal in the 98th-minute.
A header that meant the Portuguese giants crept into the playoffs on goal difference in 24th spot.
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Real, who began the night third but ended it ninth and could face Norwegian upstarts Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs, also had Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off in stoppage time.
Holders Paris St Germain also slipped out of the top eight as they could only draw 1-1 at home to Newcastle United – a result that left both sides facing a playoff despite starting the final night in the automatic places.
Arsenal, who like Bayern Munich were already assured of a top-eight finish, became the first club in the new 36-team group format to finish with a 100% record, beating bottom club Kairat Almaty 3-2.
Runners-up Bayern ended with a 2-1 victory at PSV Eindhoven that left the Dutch club eliminated.
Just like last season, UEFA’s expanded Champions League group stage has proved a masterstroke with the suspense lasting to the final seconds of the eighth round of fixtures.
Before the 18 matches kicked off only four of the 36 clubs were definitely eliminated and only Arsenal and Bayern Munich were guaranteed to be in the last 16.
Several who started outside the top eight needed wins and other results to go in their favour with Barcelona, Manchester City and Sporting seizing their chance.
UEFA Champions League/Reuters.