Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has offered a fresh perspective on Zinedine Zidane's iconic Champions League (UCL) final volley against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, revealing the secret behind the unforgettable goal. In a recent interview, Carlos delved into the moments leading up to the stunning strike, providing insights into his own involvement and Zidane's exceptional technique.
The goal, scored at Hampden Park in Glasgow, secured Real Madrid's ninth European title and is widely considered one of the greatest goals in Champions League history. With the score tied at 1-1, Roberto Carlos sent a high, looping ball toward the edge of the penalty area in the final moments of the first half. Zidane, positioned perfectly, met the ball with a sublime left-footed volley that rocketed into the top corner of the net.
While the assist is credited to Roberto Carlos, he humorously downplayed the quality of his pass, stating, "People say 'That was a terrible pass' and I say 'Terrible?' It was perfect, on the spot, just high enough and it landed on Zizou's left foot because he wouldn't be able to strike it with his right foot". He explained that his options were limited due to the pressure from a Bayer Leverkusen player. "It was my only chance because there was a Leverkusen player following me, so if I'd controlled the ball, he'd have nicked it off me," Carlos admitted.
According to Carlos, Zidane's brilliance transformed a potentially poor pass into a moment of pure genius. "It was an interesting goal because the pass was bad, the cross was more or less bad and yet Zizou's goal was recently chosen by France Football as the most beautiful goal in a Champions League final," he said.
The interviewer further pressed Carlos on the technique and vision of Zidane to execute such a difficult shot. Carlos responded by saying that Zidane was "From a different planet".
The goal's impact extended beyond just winning the Champions League final. It cemented Zidane's status as one of the greatest players of all time and added another highlight to his already illustrious career. For Real Madrid, it marked a period of dominance in European football.
Reflecting on the goal's legacy, Carlos emphasized the combination of circumstances and Zidane's unique talent that made it so special. He noted that the height of the ball and Zidane's ability to generate such power and accuracy from a difficult angle were key factors. "The ball came bouncing and I crossed the ball. I didn't even know Zizou was there, the only thing I did was look to the right side and I saw someone in white was coming," Carlos recalled.
In conclusion, Roberto Carlos's insights shed new light on one of football's most iconic moments. While he modestly claims his pass was imperfect, it was Zidane's extraordinary skill and vision that elevated the play to legendary status. The goal remains a testament to Zidane's genius and a cherished memory for Real Madrid fans worldwide.
