La Novena was won 20 years ago today
Zidane's legendary volley decided the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Glasgow's Hampden Park was the scene for the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. On 15 May 2002, our team re-exerted their dominance over the European Cup in the club's Centenary year.
Zidane was one of the standout men in the final thanks to his legendary volley to make it 2-1. On the stroke of half-time, Roberto Carlos sent in a looping cross from the left flank to the edge of the box, where Zidane waited patiently before unleashing an unbelievable strike which flew past the German goalkeeper into the top corner. In 2020, France Football Magazine selected the iconic effort as the most beautiful goal in Champions League history.
Zidane was one of the standout men in the final thanks to his legendary volley to make it 2-1. On the stroke of half-time, Roberto Carlos sent in a looping cross from the left flank to the edge of the box, where Zidane waited patiently before unleashing an unbelievable strike which flew past the German goalkeeper into the top corner. In 2020, France Football Magazine selected the iconic effort as the most beautiful goal in Champions League history.
Prior to the goal, the game had got underway in frenetic fashion, with two goals in the first fifteen minutes. Raúl put the madridistas ahead when he latched onto Roberto Carlos' throw-in to go on and beat Butt. Lucio swiftly levelled for Bayer when he turned home a corner.
Crucial Casillas
In the second half, César was forced off through injury and Iker Casillas came on in his place, going on to play a vital role in clinching the cup. In the closing stretch, the Germans had a handful of clear chances to draw level once again but the young shot-stopper kept them out time and again to make sure Real Madrid would get their hands on La Novena European Cup.
LINE-UPS:
2- Real Madrid: César Casillas, 68', Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Figo McManaman, 61', Makelele Flavio, 73', Solari, Zidane, Raúl and Morientes.
1- Bayer Leverkusen: Butt, Sebescen Kirsten, 65', Zivkovic, Lucio Babic, 91', Placente; Schneider, Ramelow, Ballack, Brdaric Berbatov, 38', Bastürk and Neuville.
Goals:
1-0 min. 9: Raúl.
1-1 min. 14: Lucio.
2-1 min. 44: Zidane.
Referee: Urs Meier Switzerland.
Stadium: Hampden Park Glasgow.
Crucial Casillas
In the second half, César was forced off through injury and Iker Casillas came on in his place, going on to play a vital role in clinching the cup. In the closing stretch, the Germans had a handful of clear chances to draw level once again but the young shot-stopper kept them out time and again to make sure Real Madrid would get their hands on La Novena European Cup.
LINE-UPS:
2- Real Madrid: César Casillas, 68', Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos, Figo McManaman, 61', Makelele Flavio, 73', Solari, Zidane, Raúl and Morientes.
1- Bayer Leverkusen: Butt, Sebescen Kirsten, 65', Zivkovic, Lucio Babic, 91', Placente; Schneider, Ramelow, Ballack, Brdaric Berbatov, 38', Bastürk and Neuville.
Goals:
1-0 min. 9: Raúl.
1-1 min. 14: Lucio.
2-1 min. 44: Zidane.
Referee: Urs Meier Switzerland.
Stadium: Hampden Park Glasgow.