Modern football sees some great goals every week, but sometimes these goals can be insignificant in the greater scheme of things.
Not on Wednesday though. Saul Niguez's incredible solo effort gave Atletico Madrid a hard-fought 1-0 win against German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final at the Vicente Calderon. Niguez's goal came in the first leg of the semi-final, which means Atletico will travel to Bayern with a slim advantage.
The task for Atletico manager Diego Simeone was tough. They were up against the competition's highest scorers and Niguez's goal in the 11th minute was a moment of magic. The 21-year old received the ball just in front of the centre circle 35 yards out, dribbled left and right past Thiago Alcantara, Juan Bernat and Xabi Alonso, entered the penalty box and calmly curled the ball around Bayern 'keeper Manuel Neur – it kissed the far post and nestled inside the goal.
No wonder The Guardian hailed it as "Maradona-esque".
Bayern Munich pressed hard – dominating with 74 per cent of possession and hitting the bar, but Atletico grimly held on, not conceding a inch. And now, Atletico find themselves in an enviable position – 90 minutes way away from making their second Champions League final in three years. Of course, they have the minor matter of keeping Bayern at bay in Munich before that.
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