Brugge congratulate Marseille's qualification, but l'OM eliminated at the death

Matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League league stage witnessed a series of dramatic encounters, with an especially unforgettable twist unfolding in the clash between Club Brugge and Marseille. Club Brugge displayed a message on the stadium’s big screen specifically congratulating Marseille on qualifying for the Champions League knockout play‑offs, only for the French side to suffer a shock elimination moments later.

On this chaotic final matchday of the Champions League league phase, Marseille suffered a humiliating 0‑3 defeat away to Club Brugge. Yet when the final whistle blew, Marseille still occupied 24th place in the overall standings — precisely the final qualifying spot for the Champions League knockout play‑offs.

After the game, players from both sides shook hands on the pitch. Having already secured their place in the play‑offs, Club Brugge put up a message on the giant screen reading: “Congratulations for the qualification.”

No one could have predicted that Marseille’s celebrations were premature. A dramatic turn of events in the only remaining fixture of Matchday 8 would ultimately shatter Marseille’s hopes of claiming a play‑off spot.

In that tie, Benfica, managed by José Mourinho, hosted Real Madrid, who were down to nine men. Deep into stoppage time, Benfica held a 3‑2 lead. For Benfica, scoring one more goal would allow them to overtake Marseille on goal difference and snatch the last remaining play‑off berth.

Shortly afterwards, Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica’s goalkeeper, surged into the opposition penalty area and scored with a soaring header. That extraordinary goal sent the home fans into raptures and sparked wild celebrations across the stadium. At the same time, it broke the hearts of Marseille’s players hundreds of miles away, as their hopes of qualifying vanished in an instant.