Goalkeepers are typically stationed in front of their own net, where they excel at making crucial saves. However, when the team requires a decisive push, these shot-stoppers often leave their positions and venture into the opponent’s box, showcasing their goal-scoring abilities. Such scenes unfolded yesterday at the Estadio Olimpico Tour.
The goalkeeper Ivan Provedel’s header secured a crucial point for Lazio in the closing moments of their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid in Rome on Tuesday. This remarkable achievement cemented his name in the history books as only the second goalkeeper to score a non-penalty goal in a Champions League match.
Who is the highest scoring goalkeeper in history?
In football, goal-scoring duties are typically reserved for forwards, attacking midfielders, and occasionally even defenders contribute with crucial goals. However, Goalkeepers are primarily tasked with preventing the opposition from scoring and safeguarding the goal. Nonetheless, a select few have defied expectations, outscoring even outfield players.
The record for the most goals scored by a goalkeeper is held by the Brazilian legend Rogério Ceni, who has an astonishing 131 goals to his name, making him one of the highest-scoring goalkeepers of all time.
Throughout his career, Ceni remained loyal to Sao Paulo, establishing himself as the greatest goalkeeper in Brazilian football history. Out of his remarkable tally of 131 goals, 61 of them were netted from free-kicks, a testament to his ability to make an impact during set-piece situations. He scored his 100th goal in a 2–1 win for São Paulo on 27 March 2011.
He also made 17 appearances for the Brazilian national team. In 2015, Ceni retired from professional football and is currently managing EC Bahia in Brazil’s top division.
Lazio GK Ivan Provedel scored 95th minute equalizer vs Atletico Madrid in UCL
The latest edition of the UEFA Champions League kicked off on Tuesday. In the Group E opening fixture, Lazio made a return to the elite competition after missing out last season, hosting Atletico Madrid at their home ground.
In a historic first-ever Champions League clash between SS Lazio and Atletico Madrid, the visitors seized an early lead with Pablo Barrios scoring in the 29th minute of the first half.
The hosts were trailing by a goal until the 95th minute when Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel made a remarkable move by venturing forward and heading in a stoppage-time equalizer from a cross by Luis Alberto.
“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 realize that I scored in the Champions League. It’s a night I’ll remember all my life”, Ivan Provedel told post-match to UEFA.com.
Ivan Provedel’s last-minute heroics spared his team from a defeat against Atletico Madrid, a three-time runner-up in the competition.
What are your thoughts on Provedel’s iconic last moment goal? Share with us below.
