Ivan Provedel reflected on his sensational last-minute equaliser in Lazio’s Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid, admitting it’ll take time for his goal to sink in.
The 29-year-old Italian goalkeeper, who has been one of the best players for the Biancocelesti since his bargain move from Spezia last year, expertly netted a confident header in the dying seconds of the European clash against Atletico, tying things up just before the final whistle blew.
Provedel had already been Lazio’s best player on the night, looking calm and confident in between the sticks, but his moment of magic could prove decisive as Maurizio Sarri’s side look to sneak into the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Speaking first to Sky Sports Italia (via TMW), Provedel discussed his goal against Atletico and how it happened.
Actually, there was a lot of confusion, but they had told me how much time was left. Soon the whistle would have blown for the end, so I went up.
I still don’t think I realised the goal, I will later. Football is quick in good and bad things. Tonight, I’m enjoying it, we didn’t win tonight, and we have to do it on Saturday in the league.
To make a joke I can say that I studied Immobile. Luis Alberto usually shoots on the second, it was the only empty space, and I went there.
He was asked which of his two career goals means more for him.
There is no ranking, they are two great goals in terms of importance. Both have great significance for me.
Provedel then discussed his sensational goal to UEFA’s media department, underlining why a draw is a fair result considering the balance of play.
It is a night I will remember for the rest of my life. I’m happy above all because we managed to draw a game that we did not deserve to lose. Later I will realise that I scored in the Champions League.
The point is deserved, we have to move on. Football is sometimes a matter of moments and not of performance. I’m sorry we had to draw at the last second.
I hope the point gives us momentum, motivation and enthusiasm. I had already scored in Serie B, in a similar way: I jumped and scored.
Who ever scouted this goalkeeper has done great for Lazio