Last update 21 December, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
Mijatovic's goal in the Champions League final 1998 He put the Montenegrin's name in gold letters in the history of Real Madrid. The Balkan, He is one of the most beloved figures in the recent history of the Real Madrid, not only because of his talent and character, but for a goal that remained engraved in the memory of the merengue fans and that changed the course of the club: his decisive goal in the UEFA Champions League final 1998. A goal that not only gave Real Madrid its seventh Champions League, but it marked the beginning of a new golden era for the club in European football.
Mijatovic's goal in the Champions League final 1998: The goal of the seventh
Before winning the Champions League 1998, Real Madrid had been in a long drought in the most prestigious competition in Europe, having won their last European Cup in 1966. However, under the direction of Yep Heycknes, Real Madrid returned to the European Cup final after more than three decades of waiting.
The final, disputed the 20 May 1998 in Amsterdam, faced Real Madrid against the Juventus of Marcello Lippi, a renowned team at that time, that had stars like Alessandro Del Piero, Edgar Dadvids y Zinedine Zidane among others.
Mijatovic and his Unforgettable Goal in the Champions League Final 1998: The Rebirth of Real Madrid
In the history of Real Madrid, Few moments are as iconic as the goal Pedja Mijatovic in the Champions League final 1998. that goal, that sealed the Seventh European Cup, marked a historic milestone for the club.
In fact, That goal would be the only one Mijatovic scored in the entire European campaign that season., but its value was incalculable. Not only did he deliver the most precious trophy to the whites, but also broke a drought of 32 years without winning European Cup, ending an endless wait.
The context of that end of 1998, disputed the 20 May in Amsterdam, revealed to a Real Madrid of unbreakable character, what, despite the quality of its rival, he knew how to stay calm and take advantage of his opportunity.
In front was the Juventus, an Italian giant with a squad full of talent, among them the formidable Alessandro Del Piero, who had had an exceptional season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions. However, Real Madrid's defense, headed by Iron y Sanchis, completely nullified the Italian offensive, including its star Del Piero, who appeared unrecognizable on that decisive day.
The Road to the Final: An Unstoppable Real Madrid
Before reaching the final of 1998, Real Madrid demonstrated its power in the group stage, where he surpassed Rosenborg, Olympiakos y Port with authority. Already in the playoffs, The whites showed their best version and eliminated two renowned German clubs: he Bayer Leverkusen and the Borussia Dortmund, reigning European champion. Karembeu, who joined the team mid-season, He was fundamental in those crosses with three goals that allowed Real Madrid to advance to the final.
The Final: Mijatovic's Unforgettable Goal
The day of the final, Juup Heynckes lined up a Real Madrid that, with determination and a solid defense, He gave no respite to Juventus. The merengue team took to the field with Illgner in goal, Panucci, Iron, Sanchis y Robert Carlos in defense, while Karembeu, Redondo, Seedorf y Raúl they made up the midfield. in the attack, Morientes y Mijatović They were in charge of harming the Italian team.
Juventus, meanwhile, He took to the grass with his luxury line-up, which included Peruzzi, Torricelli, Montero, Julian, By Livy, Pessotto, Deschamps, Davids, Zidane, Inzaghi y Del Piero, a team that had reached the final for the third time in a row, hoping to win the title.
with the tie 0-0 on the scoreboard and time passing, The moment arrived that would be recorded in history. In the minute 66, Robert Carlos shot from outside the area, but his shot was deflected by the defense, leaving the ball loose in the area. Mijatović, with impressive calm, took advantage of the rebound, he dribbled past the goalkeeper Peruzzi y, with his left leg, scored the goal that would change the fate of the final. He 1-0 put Real Madrid on the verge of glory, and that much of Mijatović became the goal that would give the club its seventh European Cup.
🏆 today ago 22 years, We lived a magical night in Amsterdam…
🙌 We lift the Seventh European Cup!!#RMHistory | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/R2Y5V8YwgU— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 20, 2020
The Resistance of Real Madrid
After the goal of Mijatović, he Real Madrid knew how to handle the advantage. Juventus tried by all means to equalize the score, but the madridista team was firm, with an impenetrable defense and control of the game that left little room for surprises. Before the break, Raúl had a clear opportunity to extend the advantage, but his shot grazed the post.
The second half was an exercise in resistance and concentration for the meringues, who, after that historic goal, They knew how to maintain the 1-0 and take the final until the final whistle. A) Yes, he Real Madrid was crowned champion of the UEFA Champions League, lifting the trophy after a long wait 32 years without achieving it. The Seventh It became an obsession fulfilled and a victory that changed the history of the club.
A Goal That Would Mark the Beginning of a New Era
The goal of Mijatović in 1998 not only marked the victory in the Champions League, but also ushered in a new golden era for the Real Madrid, that would see the team return to the top of European football, with new successes and conquests. With the Seventh, The club began a period of dominance in Europe that would continue with the “galactic era”, in which figures like Zidane, Raúl, Ronaldo y Figo they joined the squad.
Mijatovic, will be remembered forever for that decisive goal in Amsterdam. His name was inscribed with golden letters in the history of the Real Madrid.