Aviles Hurtado's Puskás Award contender is a breathtaking bicycle kick
His coach called it the best such goal he has seen live
Fans can vote for the Colombian at this link
Ever since moving to Mexico in 2013, Aviles Hurtado has caught the eye for his ability to score all sorts of goals. Pacy, powerful and athletic, the Colombian is equally capable of unleashing long-range piledrivers and of coolly finishing one-on-ones after surging away from several defenders.
Hurtado provided a compelling example of his varied talents back on 1 April, when he conjured up a sensational overhead kick for Tijuana against Atlas that has earned him a place on the ten-goal 2017 FIFA Puskás Award shortlist.
"I'm really chuffed. It's not easy to be nominated for the Puskás Award. Every time I see the goal, I'm more amazed that I scored it, because of the way the ball came to me," the 30-year-old told Colombian TV show Gol Caracol. And it is easy to see his point.
Let us set the scene. Tijuana, already a goal down with a quarter of an hour played, had a corner up the right. Joe Corona dinked in a delivery aimed for the penalty spot, where four of his team-mates were waiting amid a sea of opposition players.
However, Corona's cross fell somewhat short of its intended target, forcing Hurtado to take a few steps to his right. Without thinking twice or breaking his stride, the attacker – who is now with Monterrey and has previously represented Pachuca and Chiapas during his time in Mexico – flung himself into the air and connected, sweet as you like, with his right foot. The ball positively flew into the far top corner, leaving the Atlas goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Tijuana's coach at the time, Miguel Herrera, had this to say about his former charge's effort: "I've seen it compared to Hugo Sanchez and Van Basten's similarly spectacular strikes and it certainly belongs in the same bracket. It's undoubtedly the best goal that I've ever seen live. Hugo and Marco had more time to set themselves and make contact."
The goal of the tournament. An absolute beauty! What a strike by Aviles Hurtado! Share it, Xolos fans!
Do you agree with Herrera? Then vote for Hurtado's breathtaking bicycle kick for the 2017 FIFA Puskás Award, the winner of which will be decided by FIFA.comusers. The prize will be handed out on 23 October at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in London.