Peter Schmeichel's Save against Rapid Vienna

The world cup in 1970 was the scene for what Peter Schmeichel considers to be the greatest save in football; and he should know! A tremendous close-range shot from perhaps the greatest player of all time; Pele, looked certain to cross the line at great speed but somehow Gordon Banks' quick reflexes allowed him to dive down to the ground and lift the ball hard and fast over the crossbar from just a couple of feet in front of it.

It is perhaps a great irony that the man who praised that save so much was himself the centre of Gordon Banks' admiration. 26 years after that world cup, Peter Schmeichel found himself in an identical situation. This time, the venue was the Champions league against Rapid Vienna. Rene Wagner looked certain to score as his headed ball hurtled to the goal line. Somehow, Schmeichel had the speed to dive to his right. Not only did he get his hand to the ball but he had the force to spoon the ball high into the air and over the crossbar in just a split second of reaction.

A year later, Peter got to meet Gordon Banks and managed to chat about the two wonderful saves. Schmeichel said: "The best part was actually meeting Gordon. He said my save was better. I knew he was being polite but to hear him saying it was a terrific feeling." It is this kind of great goalkeeping that Alex Ferguson will soon have to learn to live without.