Thirteen years after former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, found the net for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Champions League, Lazio’s goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel, has followed suit by scoring a goal in the same competition.
In his UEFA Champions League debut, the Italian goalkeeper headed in a stoppage-time equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw for Lazio against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night. Provedel’s dramatic goal materialized five minutes into stoppage time when he ventured forward for a last-ditch corner, converting a cross from Luis Alberto with one of the final touches of the game.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Provedel shared his excitement, saying, “I’m happy, especially because we managed to level a game we didn’t deserve to lose. It hasn’t sunk in yet; later, I will realize that I scored in the Champions League. Football is sometimes about moments, not just performance. I am sorry that we had to equalize at the last second. I hope the point gives us momentum, motivation, and enthusiasm.”
Enyeama converted a penalty in the 2010/11 season against Lyon for Hapoel Tel Aviv. That season, Enyeama also scored in the UCL qualifying playoffs for Hapoel Tel Aviv against Red Bull Salzburg, finishing the campaign with two European goals.
The 2013 AFCON winner scored nine league goals with the Israeli club, having also been famous for scoring penalties for Enyimba during his spell in the Nigerian league.
Provedel became just the second keeper in Champions League history to score a goal that didn’t come from the penalty spot and the first to do it in 13 years since Enyeama did it for Hapoel Tel Aviv.
The last goalkeeper to score from open play in the UCL was Sinan Bolat, who also scored in the 95th minute for Standard Liege to rescue a draw against AZ Alkmaar in the 2009/10 season.
