This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Ante Budimir’s penalty was easily gathered by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (Image: Premier Sports TV)
Osasuna striker Ante Budimir has been accused of taking the worst penalty ever after an awful attempt in his side’s La Liga defeat against Valencia. Budimir had the chance to seal a point deep into stoppage time but ended up dinking the ball straight at goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Valencia led 1-0 heading into added time, with Andre Almeida’s 18th-minute strike the only goal of the game.
Late drama unfolded as Osasuna were awarded a 98th-minute penalty upon a VAR review as Budimir was fouled by Hugo Guillamon. Budimir has been Osasuna’s talisman this season, scoring 16 goals in 31 La Liga appearances. Many would have expected the 32-year-old to comfortably convert and salvage a point for his side against a Valencia side still harbouring hopes of Conference League qualification. But in a toe-curling incident, Budimir completely fluffed his lines and ended up gifting Mamardashvili the most comfortable of saves.
The Croatian appeared to be caught in two minds over his attempt and ultimately seemed to stumble slightly as he geared up to take the spot-kick. The result was a feeble chipped attempt that bounced before being gratefully clutched by Mamardashvili. Premier Sports commentator Pete Jenson summed up the events, describing it as “the worst penalty miss you’ll see, certainly this season and maybe ever.” Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino expressed his disappointment over the situation, indicating that the designated penalty taker for his team was not the one who attempted the kick.
He apologized for the incident and stated that such actions do not represent the image they want to send out.