Champions League: Benfica Keeper's Goal Forces Madrid to Playoffs, Chelsea Win Dramatically at Napoli's Home

Chelsea and Real Madrid concluded the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League with contrasting results. While The Blues secured victory in Naples and marched straight to the Round of 16, Los Blancos returned from Lisbon with heads bowed, forced to navigate the risky playoff route.

Chelsea confirmed automatic qualification for the knockout stage after a dramatic 3-2 win over Napoli at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on the final matchday, Thursday, January 29, 2026 early morning WIB.

The three points earned Chelsea sixth place in the league phase Standings with 16 points, simultaneously eliminating Napoli from European competition this season.

The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for Juan Jesus' handball in the box.

Enzo Fernandez calmly executed the spot-kick to beat Alex Meret.

Napoli responded through Antonio Vergara's individual effort in the 33rd minute, before Rasmus Hojlund turned the game around ten minutes later with a close-range header.

Chelsea intensified their play after halftime, with João Pedro becoming the difference-maker.

His long-range strike in the 61st minute equalized, before he punished Napoli again in the 82nd minute with a cool finish after receiving Cole Palmer's through ball.

The 3-2 score held firm, leaving Napoli in 30th place with eight points and eliminated, as reported by UEFA's official website.

Real Madrid to Face Playoffs

Meanwhile, Real Madrid suffered a bitter 2-4 defeat to Benfica at Estádio da Luz. This result saw El Real fail to reach the top eight, forcing them into playoffs after finishing ninth with 15 points, just one point behind Manchester City.

Madrid initially led through Kylian Mbappé's 30th-minute header, but their advantage was short-lived.

Andreas Schjelderup equalized for Benfica before Vangelis Pavlidis' first-half injury-time penalty put the hosts ahead 2-1.

Schjelderup scored again nine minutes after the break, exploiting gaps in Madrid's defense.

Mbappé reignited hope with his second goal in the 58th minute, but the situation turned nightmarish for Los Blancos after Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo received red cards in stoppage time.

Benfica sealed their perfect night with a dramatic fourth goal. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin advanced for a set-piece and headed home Fredrik Aursnes' cross to secure the 4-2 victory.

This result placed Benfica 24th with nine points, claiming the final playoff ticket on goal difference over Marseille.

Chelsea's direct qualification signals their strong resurgence on the European stage.

Conversely, Real Madrid now tread a dangerous path with mounting pressure.