1. Zinedine Zidane
Real Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen
Final 2002
Panenkas and headbutts in World Cup finals? Zizou liked to save his most memorable moments for the biggest stage.
This unbelievable strike was plotted between those two points on the French icon’s stunning career graph. A looped cross Roberto Carlos dropped in front of Zidane who met it sweetly to seal a ninth European Cup for the Spanish side. Chapeau.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United v Porto
Quarter-final 2009
Pick this out. Cristiano Ronaldo scored this stunner against Porto for Manchester United to secure a last-four clash with Arsenal. A typically quick counter-attack, which began with a Ronaldo back-heel to Ji-Sung Park on the edge of the United penalty area, ultimately resulted in this ridiculous effort. What a cheek.
3. Andres Iniesta
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Semi-final 2009
As football lessons comes, Chelsea will remember this one: keep playing ’til the final whistle.
The hipsters’ choice of Nou Camp playmakers, Andres Iniesta, popped up in the 93rd minute of this semi-final second leg to score and send the Catalan through to another decider.
It was their first shot on target. But what a shot.
4. Steven Gerrard
Liverpool vs Olympiakos
Group stages 2004
If Stevie G enjoyed a comic book career, this Roy of the Rovers moment remains a collectors edition.
Liverpool — in Rafa Benitez’s first season at Anfield — looked to be heading out of Europe’s premier competition once again on a Tuesday night.
Then the Reds’ young skipper finally did what he’d threatened to do all night and sent the Kop into raptures. Looking back, it was the catalyst for an improbable victory in Istanbul six months later. What a hit, son.
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