Lazio’s goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel, showcased his remarkable offensive prowess as he ran Into the field to score a last-minute equalizer with a deft header, securing a 1-1 draw for the Roman club against Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Provedel’s goal was the biggest highlight of UEFA Champions League action on the day.
In the dying moments of the match, with Lazio trailing 1-0, their Italian goalkeeper Ivan Provedel emerged as the unlikeliest of heroes.
Surging forward for a crucial corner kick, he executed a perfectly-timed run and brilliantly headed the ball into the net, securing a stunning equalizer.
Provedel achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the second goalkeeper in Champions League history to score a goal from open play, not via a penalty kick.
He marked a historic moment, ending a 13-year drought since Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama accomplished a similar feat for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
“Football is sometimes about moments and not performance. I am sorry that we had to equalize at the last second. I hope the point gives us momentum as motivation and enthusiasm.” said Provedel.
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This actually wasn’t the first time the 29-year-old has scored in his professional career.
“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,” he added.
While Atletico Madrid is making their 11th consecutive group stage appearance in the Champions League, Lazio finds themselves in the competition for only the second time in the last 16 seasons.
Lazio generated numerous chances, with Mattia Zaccagni and Luis Alberto both coming agonizingly close on several occasions.
In the second half, Immobile missed a golden opportunity when Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made an errant pass.
Oblak later made a crucial diving save to deny a long-range effort from Danilo Cataldi during stoppage time, just moments before Provedel’s game-changing goal.
