Valencia CF25 August 2019

Cillessen's penalty save secret

How the Dutch goalkeeper was able to guess where Denis Suárez would put his spot kick

Jasper Cillessen thwarted one of his former teammates from the penalty spot on Matchday 2 of the LaLiga season, saving a penalty from Celta Vigo's Denis Suárez. The two played together during a joint spell at FC Barcelona, and that time spent on the training pitch allowed the Valencia CF goalkeeper to know where the midfielder was likely to put the ball.

Suárez attempted to tuck the ball inside Cillessen's right post, but the shot stopper got both hands to the ball after guessing the right way.

Speaking in the post-match flash interview pitchside, Cillessen said that "I thought he was going to aim for the other side" but opted for the side where Suárez' spot kicks usually went in training. It was his fifth stop from a penalty in an official game, and ended a run of four games conceding from 12 yards that included Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayer Leverkusen, Internazionale (friendlies) and Real Sociedad.

The save was practically the final move of the game, and one of five top saves by the Dutchman. He and the Celta number 6 remained friends after the game: They embraced on the final whistle and posed for a photo together, posted by the Galician midfielder on social media with the phrase "No hard feelings. A great guy and a top goalkeeper."

 

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