The Wall of Kyiv: Anatoliy Trubin’s Top Saves in the Champions League

The UEFA Champions League anthem is a sound that strikes fear into the hearts of many, but for a select few, it is the soundtrack of destiny. In the high-stakes theater of European football, goalkeepers are often the difference between a forgotten campaign and a historic run. Among the rising stars guarding the net, few have shone as brightly and as early as Anatoliy Trubin.

Bursting onto the scene as a teenager for Shakhtar Donetsk and later commanding the box for Benfica, Trubin has quickly established himself as one of the continent’s most promising shot-stoppers. His 6’7" frame, combined with cat-like reflexes, has frustrated some of the world’s most lethal strikers.

1. The Breakthrough: Frustrating Inter Milan (2020/21)

If there was a specific campaign that announced Trubin to the world, it was the 2020/21 group stage. Shakhtar Donetsk found themselves in a ‘Group of Death’ alongside Real Madrid and Inter Milan. While many expected the Ukrainian side to crumble, Trubin had other plans.

Across two legs against Inter Milan, Trubin kept two clean sheets, a feat that seemed impossible given the form of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez at the time. The 0-0 draw at the San Siro was particularly legendary.

The Defining Save: Late in the game, Romelu Lukaku unleashed a thunderous header that looked destined for the top corner. Trubin, showing maturity beyond his years, adjusted his footing instantly and tipped the ball over the bar with his fingertips. It wasn’t just a save; it was a statement that he belonged at the elite level.

Why This Mattered

• Opponent Caliber: He shut out the eventual Serie A champions.
• Pressure: The saves secured a Europa League spot for Shakhtar, knocking Inter out of Europe entirely.
• Technicality: His positioning against powerful headers showed elite spatial awareness.

2. The Miracle in Madrid: Denying the Kings of Europe

Few goalkeepers can claim they walked into the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium (Real Madrid’s temporary home) and walked out with a victory. In October 2020, a depleted Shakhtar side shocked the world with a 3-2 victory, and Trubin was instrumental in preserving that lead.

While the attackers took the headlines for the three first-half goals, the second half was a siege. Real Madrid, fueled by desperation, launched wave after wave of attacks. Trubin stood tall against Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema.

The Key Moment: As Madrid chased an equalizer, Marco Asensio fired a dipping, swerving shot from outside the box. These are nightmares for goalkeepers due to the unpredictable trajectory. Trubin held his ground, reading the flight of the ball perfectly to make a crucial block, ensuring the historic upset remained intact.

3. The Benfica Era: Penalty Heroics vs. RB Salzburg

Following his high-profile move to Benfica, the pressure was on Trubin to justify his price tag and replace the departing Odysseas Vlachodimos. The Champions League opener against RB Salzburg in the 2023/24 season was a trial by fire.

Benfica had a disastrous start, receiving an early red card and conceding a penalty. However, Trubin displayed his renowned prowess in 1v1 situations. Although the team eventually lost, Trubin’s individual performance prevented a humiliation.

The Penalty Stop: Facing a spot-kick is a psychological battle. Trubin is known for his ability to wait until the very last millisecond. Against Salzburg, he guessed the right way and utilized his massive wingspan to deny the goal, electrifying the Estádio da Luz. This moment endeared him to the Benfica faithful immediately.

4. The Reflex Save Against Real Sociedad

Continuing his journey with Benfica, Trubin produced one of the saves of the tournament against Real Sociedad. The Spanish side is known for their intricate passing and quick shots inside the box, creating high xG (Expected Goals) chances.

In a chaotic sequence inside the penalty area, a deflected shot changed direction mid-air, wrong-footing the entire defense. Most goalkeepers would have been planted to the spot. Trubin, however, demonstrated incredible core strength.

He managed to shift his weight and extend a leg to block the shot. This ‘kick-save’ technique is reminiscent of handball goalkeepers and highlights how modern keepers must use every part of their body to keep the ball out. It was a moment of pure instinct over textbook technique.

5. Technical Analysis: What Makes Trubin Special?

It is not just the highlight reel that makes Anatoliy Trubin a top-tier prospect; it is the consistency of his mechanics. Scouts and analysts have long praised his fundamental skillset.

The Anatomy of His Saves

• Stature and Reach: Standing at 1.99m, he covers a massive portion of the goal, forcing strikers to aim for difficult corners.
• Composure under Pressure: Unlike many young keepers who panic when the defense collapses, Trubin remains stoic.
• Distribution: Modern goalkeeping requires playing out from the back. Trubin’s distribution stats in the UCL show he is comfortable starting attacks, not just stopping them.

6. The Celtic Showdown: Point-Blank Denial

Returning to his Shakhtar days, the match against Celtic in the 2022/23 group stage provided another reel of highlights. The Scottish champions played with high intensity, pressing Shakhtar relentlessly.

Trubin made a series of saves with his feet that night, drawing comparisons to David de Gea in his prime. The standout moment came from a close-range effort following a cross. The striker had a free header from six yards out.

Trubin’s reaction time was clocked at a fraction of a second. He didn’t just block the ball; he parried it into a safe zone, preventing a rebound goal. This ability to control the ‘second ball’ is what separates good keepers from great ones.

Conclusion: A Future Legend in the Making

Anatoliy Trubin’s journey in the Champions League is far from over; in fact, it is just beginning. From silencing the San Siro to becoming a fan favorite in Lisbon, he has proven time and again that he thrives under the bright lights of Europe’s premier competition.

His portfolio of saves against giants like Inter Milan and Real Madrid serves as a testament to his quality. As he continues to develop at Benfica, football fans can expect many more miraculous nights from the Ukrainian giant.

Whether it is a fingertip save in the dying minutes or a penalty stop to win a shootout, Trubin has the tools to become one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation. The Wall of Kyiv has gone global, and strikers across Europe have been warned.