Guti's assist vs Deportivo: Real Madrid legend's incredible pass to Karim Benzema | OneFootball

It’s been exactly 13 years since Guti produced possibly the greatest assist in football history for Real Madrid.

In January 2010, Real Madrid travelled Deportivo La Coruna having not won at the Riazor since 1991.

They trailed Barcelona by eight points and desperately needed all three points to maintain their title challenge.

It was a huge match – and they had to do it without the suspended Cristiano.

“Even a baby on the t*t knows the title is at stake today,” Marca said on its front page. “A Game of Life or Death” they added with an image of Ronaldo and a huge red cross.

Real ran out 3-1 winners and the match will be remembered for Guti’s quite incredible assist.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side led to a first half strike from Esteban Granero.

And minutes before half time, they made it 2-0.

Step forward, Guti.

Kaka had put the Spaniard through on goal and he looked certain to double Real’s lead.

However, instead of running onto the through ball and finishing, Guti stuttered.

Then, for some inexplicable reason, he produced a backheel.

Who backheels the ball when through on goal being chased by defenders!?

Guti, that’s who.

He knew exactly what he was doing as his actions saw the Deportivo goalkeeper, Daniel Aranzubia, fall to the floor, while the ball fell perfectly for Karim Benzema to roll the ball into the empty net.

Wow.

VIDEO: Guti’s incredible assist for Karim Benzema

Benzema would grab a second goal during the 3-1 victory but the win was all about Guti’s moment of genius.

“A heel-flick masterpiece,” Real Madrid’s official website wrote.

The assist made the front pages of Spain’s newspapers too with AS calling it “a golden backheel” and Marca dubbed it “the heel of God”.

What is the greatest pass ever?

Recently, The Athletic did a feature on the best pass they’ve ever seen. Many of their writers were tasked with naming the greatest pass they’ve witnessed.

Daniel Taylor’s vote went to Guti.

He wrote: “Best pass I’ve ever seen? That’s a tough one when Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and many others could supply extensive portfolios of their best work.

“Yet the most implausible piece of brilliance goes back to a La Liga game 12 years ago between Deportivo La Coruna and visitors Real Madrid.

“Guti is through on goal at the Riazor. Will he dink it over goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia? Maybe slip it between his legs? No, Guti tries something that I have never seen before — or since. It’s the most ridiculously brilliant back-heel you will ever see.

“Aranzubia is stranded. Karim Benzema is running in from behind (though how Guti knows that is a mystery) and puts the ball into the empty net.”

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.