Though most of our attention was dominated by a scintillating Super Sunday over in England, if you’ve got football enthusiasm left to spare and appreciate a good banger as much as the next person, take some time out of your day to witness this simply stunning goal provided over in the French Ligue 1.
Toulouse's Max-Alain Gradel, formerly of Championship side Leeds United, produced an absolute worldie in a league clash with rivals Dijon at the Stadium Municipal.
Supplied by a beautifully looped Mathieu Dossevi cross, Gradel offered no hesitation in attempting an audacious overhead attempt in the box and must have been extremely delighted to see it sail into the back of the net past goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson, having been two goals down.
Despite the difference in occasion prestige, there were certainly echoes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale’s magnificent efforts in the Champions League last season, against Juventus and Liverpool, respectively.
Gradel’s goal was a particular highlight in a thrilling game that saw the home side reduced to 10 men after just five minutes when Baptiste Reynet was sent off for Toulouse.
Gradel produced a man of the match performance in Toulouse’s comeback after the visitors had gone 2-0 up. Gradel instrument a five minute turnaround - supplying Aaron Leya Iseka after the game had entered its final quarter of an hour - with the points eventually being shared with Dijon.
The result of the two relegation battlers’ skirmish sees them both still nestling towards the bottom of the France top tier table, in 15th and 17th, respectively. Toulouse have failed to win a single league game since mid-August.
For now however, a little bit of relief, as they can sit back and revel in the illumination of Gradel’s beauty, which is posted below for you to also enjoy.
Former Leeds United winger Max Gradel pulled out the bicycle to spark a comeback for Toulouse against Dijon 🚲
