Ivan Provedel etches his name in footballing history as he became just the second goalkeeper to score a non-penalty goal in the history of UEFA Champions League. What makes his achievement all the more fascinating is that he scored his team Lazio's equaliser with a wonderful header that will be remembered for a long-long time as it helped secure a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in a remarkable Group E match on Tuesday.
Provedel found the back of the net in the fifth minute of added time. While he has already made a name for himself with his goal-saving ability, this time around it was a moment of magic as he was spot on with his perfectly timed header that helped them ensure that they take at least 1 point from this game.
Take a look at the goal from Provedel:
The effort from Provedel came in the fifth minute of added time. As one would imagine, there was no stopping the Lazio fans after that goal in what turned out to be one of the final touches of the match. The goalie became the first shot-stopper since Vincent Enyeama to score a goal in a Champions League match 13 years ago. He became just the fourth goalkeeper to have netted a goal in the elite European competition.
"I'm happy especially because we managed to level a game we didn't deserve to lose. It hasn't sunk in; later, I will realise that I scored in the Champions League. Football is sometimes about moments and not performance. I am sorry that we had to equalise at the last second. I hope the point gives us momentum as motivation and enthusiasm," the 29-year-old was quoted as saying by UEFA.com.