50 years on from Forment's famous goal

On Sunday, March 28th, 1971, a goal for José Vicente Forment changed everything for Valencia CF's league title campaign. His late header against Celta Vigo is regarded as one of the most important goals in club history, and on the 50th anniversary of the game, VCF Media caught up with both Forment and Sergio Lloret to relive it.

There were four matchdays remaining before the end of the season and Valencia CF were immersed in a tight fight for the lead in LaLiga, alongside Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona. Every point could be decisive.

Celta Vigo visited Mestalla and stoically endured an onslaught from the home side. The 90th minute was approaching, and it seemed as if a 1-1 result would be final. The nearly 60,000 Valencianistas were racked with nerves.

That nervousness turned to elation in the closing moments, as Forment rose to meet Lloret's corner kick and head into the net for the winning goal. Mestalla erupted for a strike that would prove pivotal in the 1971 title chase.

Forment's goal has become iconic amongst Valencianistas. The two protagonists, José Vicente Forment and assist provider Sergio Lloret, met up this week to remember the occasion, with VCF MEDIA and the VCF Footballers Association.

Photos by Emilio Viña, from the Pepe Vaello collection