22 years ago, Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen played the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League final at Hampden Park, Glasgow. On that occasion, the stars stood out in both squads, but as it almost always happens in European elite football, the Brazilian protagonism could not be missing.
On that occasion, three Brazilians were present in the call-up for the epic event on British soil, which would be decided thanks to Zidane’s magical volley. However, without Roberto Carlos’ cross, that legendary goal would never have existed.
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UCL: The three Brazilians present in the last Spanish and German final
At Real Madrid, two Brazilians were called up by Vicente del Bosque to face the complicated match against the German squad: Roberto Carlos and Flávio Conceição.
Meanwhile, at Bayer Leverkusen, the very young Lúcio was already standing out in the central defense of the German team, playing almost the entire match and scoring a key goal to keep Toppmöller’s team in the fight.
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid)
In that match, Roberto Carlos started as a starter in a defense that also included Míchel Salgado, Fernando Hierro and Iván Helguera. The Brazilian played the entire match and was the great silent hero of the final after sending a somewhat hurried and inaccurate cross to a Zidane who took advantage of that carom to score one of the most spectacular goals in the history of the Champions League. For many, still the best.
Lúcio (Bayer Leverkusen)
The other Brazilian who had a very outstanding performance was Lúcio, the 24-year-old central defender. After falling behind thanks to an early goal by Raúl González Blanco in the 8th minute, Lúcio was in charge of equalizing the match around the 14th minute.
After a good cross from Ballack, Lúcio headed near the penalty spot to tie the match, lifting his shirt and showing a religious message: “Jesus loves you”.
Flávio Conceição (Real Madrid)
As a closing, the last protagonist, and also the most covered in the event, is a Brazilian pivot who, unfortunately, did not have an illustrious passage through Real Madrid. Flávio de Conceição, arrived at the white squad in 2000 for 25 million euros from Deportivo de La Coruña.
Despite winning several titles with the Merengues, he was never able to consolidate himself in the team, playing just 74 matches in three seasons, before being loaned out on several occasions.
In that Champions League final, Flávio came in as a replacement for Makélélé and played 17 minutes, being important to maintain the final result during the German siege, who never let up to come from behind.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
