In the dying seconds of Lazio’s Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper Ivan Provedel equalized the score and earned his club a crucial point. After 13 years, Provedel became the first goalie to score in a Champions League game with his goal. The final score was 1-1.
In the last seconds of Tuesday’s Champions League Group E match between Lazio and Atletico Madrid, goalkeeper Ivan Provedel unexpectedly emerged as the team’s hero, heading in the equalizer to give his team a crucial point in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
Provedel, who moved forward for a last-ditch corner with only five minutes left in regulation, provided one of the game’s closing touches with a decisive header into the net off a cross from Luis Alberto.
The fourth goalkeeper in history to score in the Champions League. 👏
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 19, 2023
Unbelievable. #UCL pic.twitter.com/FMNnBuDeKO
With his outstanding goal, Provedel became the first goalie to score in a Champions League game since Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria did so for Hapoel Tel Aviv 13 years prior. One of just four goalkeepers in history to accomplish this.
UEFA.com quoted Provedel as saying, “I’ll never forget that night. I’m pleased, especially given we tied a game we shouldn’t have lost. I won’t recognize it till later, but I scored in the Champions League.
Sometimes in football, moments matter more than accomplishments. I regret that we had to adjust the score so quickly. I hope this point inspires us and gives us a sense of momentum.
Pablo Barrios, an Atletico midfielder, scored the game’s opening goal in the 29th minute with a long-range first-time effort that crucially took a deflection off Lazio goalkeeper Provedel off defender Daichi Kamada.
Early on in the game, Lazio showed dominance. Mattia Zaccagni forced Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to make a save with a strong free kick, which the Slovenian stopper deflected for a corner.
However, Atletico came close to increasing their lead after the break as Alvaro Morata’s shot hit the post. Numerous close-range stops by Provedel were crucial in keeping Lazio within striking distance.
Early in the second half, Ciro Immobile had a chance to tie the game for Lazio but missed a great opportunity when he was one-on-one with Oblak and instead poked the ball straight at the Atletico goalkeeper.
Oblak made a key save for Atletico in stoppage time by diverting Danilo Cataldi’s long-range rocket around the base of the post.
After the match, Atletico manager Diego Simeone remained upbeat, saying, “We played a strong second half, we had great goal-scoring chances. We organized and put a lot of work into our defense. Despite the goal being scored in the last seconds, I feel terrific.
The 53-year-old Argentine Simeone made an emotional trip back to the Olimpico, where signs declaring that “Lazio and Rome will always be your home” greeted him. Please come back.
“The supporters are amazing; I felt very emotional at the start of the game and heading into the stadium “Simeone on his comeback. I shall always feel this love for you. The flag was lovely, and it warmed my heart.
In the following round, Lazio will play Celtic in Glasgow on October 4, while Atletico will host Feyenoord on the same day.
