Happy Lamelaversary: five years since THAT rabona goal

It’s just after 8:30 p.m. here in the midwestern United States as I write this article. It’s late in the day (and past the day in the UK) but I can’t let it go uncommented on because today is apparently International Erik Lamela Appreciation Day, so you get a late night article because this needs to be said.

Five years ago today, October 23, in the Year of Our Lord 2014, Erik Lamela scored one of the most audacious and incredible goals you’ll ever see. Spurs were playing at home to Asteras Tripoli in the Europa League and were already up 1-0 in the first half from a Harry Kane strike when Lamela picked up a loose ball from Emmanuel Adebayor at the top of the box.

He was wide open, and the situation was screaming for a right footed shot on target. But since Lamela is almost painfully left footed, the Argentine did the only natural thing:

HE PUT A 20 YARD LEFT-FOOTED FREAKIN’ RABONA INTO THE TOP CORNER.

I’ve watched this goal so many times. The only other highlights I think I’ve watched more are Danny Rose on-his-Premier-League-debut, and Dele’s volley against Crystal Palace. I still can’t believe Erik did this. It’s astounding.

Kim McCauley wrote about this goal when it happened because none of us could believe it was real. It’s still one of, if not the, greatest thing Lamela has ever done, and this is a guy who purposefully stepped on Cesc Fabregas’s hand.

But lest we forget, this match against Asteras Tripoli was notable for another reason, too. And it might have actually overshadowed even Lamela’s rabona.

What a match. Has it been five years already? Happy Lamelaversary.