Ludogorets defender Cosmin Moti stands in for sent off goalkeeper before making vital penalty shoot-out saves to send Bulgarians through to Champions League
Defender Cosmin Moti forced to go in goal and makes two penalty saves to send Ludogorets through to Champions League group stage
Bulgarian champions' first-choice goalkeeper was dismissed in extra-time
Centre back Moti was forced to replace keeper after Ludogorets had used all of their substitutes
Moti made two saves as Bulgarians beat Steaua Bucharest in shoot-out
An outfield player being forced to go in goal is perhaps one of the most entertaining sights in football. However, nothing compares to an outfield player being forced to go in goal for a vital penalty-shootout. This is the fate that befell Ludogorets centre back Cosmin Moti during the Bulgarian champions' dramatic Champions League play-off against Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday night.
After substitute Wanderson scored a wonderful volley in the 90th minute to send the game to extra-time, 1-1 on aggregate, the defender was forced into goal for the shoot-out following the 119th minute dismissal of goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov. Moti, forced to wear the shirt of substitute keeper Ivan Cvorovic, was the hero of the night - scoring the first penalty for his side before making brilliant diving saves to deny Paul Pirvulescu and Cornel Rapa as Ludogorets won the shoot-out 6-5 to spark wild scenes. After such a display, Ludogorets dismissed first-choice stopper Stoyanov will do well to win his place back in the side.