Video: James Rodriguez's header hit the crossbar because Stefano Sturaro blocked the shot
Juventus beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Juventus Stadium in Turin but the Bianconeri almost conceded a second to give the defending champions two away goals. James Rodriguez almost scored from Isco’s cross from the left flank, but his header cannoned off the crossbar.
When watching it live, Real Madrid fans couldn’t believe Rodriguez missed from point-blank range. He was inside the six-yard box when he made contact with a diving header.
But a closer look at the slow-motion replay shows that the header was actually on target. It was Stefano Sturaro’s intervening right foot that deflected the ball on to the crossbar to prevent Rodriguez from scoring.
Not convinced? Have a look at Sturaro’s foot just after Rodriguez makes contact. You see the ball brush past the inside of Sturaro‘s right boot before hitting the crossbar.
A phenomenal block under the circumstances – a decision that could easily have seen him booked for a high boot.