Gremio keeper Marcelo Grohe makes incredible and crucial save

When the debate comes up for the greatest ever save in a football match many opt for Gordon Banks' incredible effort to keep out Pele's header at the 1970 World Cup.

However, Gremio fans will likely disagree having seen their goalkeeper perform a remarkable stop from point blank range during a Copa Libertadores semi-final - the South American equivalent of the Champions League.

With his side leading 2-0 at Ecudorian side Barcelona in a first leg meeting, Marcelo Grohe made the pivotal save at the start of the second half.

A cross from the right was headed into the path of Ariel Nahuelpan at the back post, whose left foot strike looked destined for the back of the net.

But Grohe, 30, bravely spread his arms out in a desperate attempt to deny the striker and succeeded in getting his left hand to the ball.

Not only did the twice capped Brazil international manage to get a strong hand to the ball to somehow keep it out the net, he also pounced on the resulting loose ball to deny a rebound.

Replays show that it was more luck than reflexes that denied Nahuelpan who could only look on stunned following his missed effort from two yards out,

Gremio then ensured the save wasn't in vain by going on to win 3-0.

The club will now hope to become the first Brazilian side to reach the competition's final since 2013 when they host the return leg next week.

Should they triumph they will take on either Lanus or River Plate, with the latter holding a 1-0 aggregate lead in the all-Argentine semi-final.