A Liverpool fan pocketed £25,000 on a 125/1 bet after he dreamed that Xabi Alonso would score from his own half.
On the afternoon of January 7, 2006, the Spanish midfielder scored the first of two famous halfway-line goals that would forever be etched in Anfield folklore.
Under the guidance of Rafael Benitez, the Reds travelled to Kenilworth Road to take on Luton Town in the FA Cup third round.
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Remarkably, Liverpool found themselves 3-1 down after 53 minutes but produced a monumental comeback to lead 4-3 as the match approached injury time.
Luton naturally pushed everyone in the final stages, including goalkeeper Marlon Beresford, who rushed forward in the last few minutes to search for an equaliser.
However, Liverpool won possession inside their own half and Alonso decided to unleash an effort on goal from about 70 yards out.
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On his left foot, Alonso managed to fire the ball into the empty net to seal a 5-3 victory for Benitez’s side.
The Anfield club eventually went on to lift the FA Cup after a dramatic final against West Ham.
Liverpool fans will forever remember Alonso’s effort against Luton but one supporter in particular has an extra happy memory about that amazing strike.
According to a report from the BBC, Adrian Hayward of Newbury, Berkshire had a dream in July 2005 that Alonso would find the back of the net from his own half during the 05/06 campaign.
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Therefore, the Liverpool supporter placed a £200 bet that the midfielder would score from his own half, at the odds of 125/1.
After Alonso’s strike against Luton won him £25,000, Hayward said: “I’ve never placed such a large bet before but I had a feeling about it.
“I was watching the Luton match on TV with my family and I saw the keeper off his line. I was shouting ‘Shoot!’ and he did. It seemed to take an age to hit the net but when it did, I just went berserk.”
Bookies Paddy Power said: “When he placed the bet we thought it was the easiest £200 we had ever made.
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“But fair play to him. It’s great when these unusual bets payout and it shows that dreams do come true.”
Featured Image Credit: X/@liverpoolfc - Getty ImagesTopics: Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, Premier League, Luton Town
