From a fingertip save to a save with feet, the goalie must do whatever he can to protect the open net in between the sticks. Here are some of the most remarkable saves at the club level.
Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United), 1996 Champions League
With cat-like reflexes, Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel pokes away over the crossbar a potent, dipping header against Rapid Vienna in a Champions League match in 1996. For many, it flashbacked to England’s Gordon Banks save against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup.
Fraser Forster (Celtic), 2011 Scottish League Cup Final
Fraser Forster makes a wonder save against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final in 2011. After the ball deflects off his wall, he acrobatically adjusts his body in mid-air to get a left paw on the ball to hit it over the net. Rangers still won the Cup 2-1.
David Seaman (Arsenal), 2003 FA Cup Semi-final
David Seaman made one of the more remarkable saves of his Arsenal career against Sheffield United. With six minutes remaining, he made a last gasp effort to claw away a ball headed in 3-feet from goal. He helped preserve the one-nil lead, and Arsenal went on to win the FA Cup final.
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), 2009 La Liga Match
In a La Liga match in 2009, Legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas used his outstanding shot-stopping ability and quickness to make a running block on Sevilla’s Diego Perotti. Sevilla still won the match 2-1.
Bruce Grobbelaar (Liverpool), 1986 Premier League
Liverpool goalie Bruce Grobbelaar denied Everton’s momentum with a diving save from a free-kick that would’ve given Everton the 2-0 lead. Instead, Grobbelaar helped fire up his team to a comeback with two goals from Ian Rush.
Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United), 2003/04 Premier League
In a Premier League match against Newcastle, Peter Schmeichel makes an acrobatic save to keep his team up 1-0. The stellar block earned one of the best saves during the 2003/04 Premier League season.
Jim Montgomery (Sunderland), 1973 FA Cup
It’s not so often we get to witness critical back to back saves in quick succession, but Jim Montgomery for Sunderland did just that with a double-save against Leeds in the 1973 FA Cup finals.
Gregory Coupet (Lyon), 2001/02 Champions League
Lyon’s goalkeeper Gregory Coupet made a heroic double-save against Barcelona in the 2001/02 Champions League. Trailing back to goal, he uses his head to ricochet the ball off the post. In the second save seconds after, Coupet denies Rivaldo the wide open header with a dive that allows him to get his right claw on the ball.
David De Gea (Manchester United), 2017/18 Champions League
World-class goalkeeper David De Gea protected a clean sheet against Spanish side Sevilla in a 2017/18 Champions League match. His eight saves equaled Edwin van der Sar versus Barcelona in May 2011. But it was his point-blank save against a header from Sevilla’s Luis Muriel that was the most exceptional.
Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom), 2005/06 Premier League
In a 2005/06 Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Wigan, goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak makes like a diving bear to save a close-range tap-in. Go big or go home!
Nelson Dida (AC Milan), 2002/03 Serie A
In a 2002/03 quarterfinals match between AC Milan and Ajax, the Brazilian goalkeeper Nelson Dida comes off the ground to make a sensational left-handed save against Rafael van der Vaart of Ajax. The save secured AC Milan’s victory, as the team advanced all the way to win the Champions League trophy.
Courtois provides a miracle save to deny Cucurella in UCL quarter-final, watch
