That’s sublime from Mandzukic, that’s absolutely sublime.
Juventus were trailing Real Madrid courtesy of a fine Cristiano Ronaldo opener in the Champions League Final in Cardiff after 27 minutes.
That’s when Juventus’ Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic stepped up to the mark and scored a goal he’ll likely never top again.
There have been some great goals in Champions League finals of the past. Zinedine Zidane’s 2002 wonder goal springs to mind as does David Villa’s 2011 beauty.
But Mario Mandzukic has just gone and trumped the lot of them. The Juventus centre-forward has only gone and performed the ridiculous.
Mandzukic received the ball at least 15 yards out from goal, and with his back facing the goal, had absolutely no business in even trying a shot there.
How would anyone have the audacity to even think of it?
The Croatian brought the ball down with an exquisite first touch, he bicycle kicked it over his head with an even better second one.
GOAL: 27 min. Incredible bicycle kick from Mario Mandzukic bring Juventus level. Utterly superb #UCL 🏆https://t.co/DKtmx7EdrA
— Yahoo Sport UK (@YahooSportUK) June 3, 2017
Keylor Navas was left stranded in the Madrid goals and you’d have to feel for him.
Ronaldo’s goal made him the first player to score in three Champions League finals.
But it was Mandzukic who earned the half time plaudits due to his bolt from the blue.
What a goal.
