A day he'll never forget! Soriano misses the first half to attend the birth of his daughter, but gets to the stadium in time to score match-winning second-half hat-trick

By John Drayton

Published: | Updated:


Former Barcelona striker Jonathan Soriano could have been forgiven for taking the day off after his wife was rushed to hospital this weekend.

But having witnessed Cristina Sabater give birth to their third child, a daughter named Abril, on the morning of the game between his Red Bull Salzburg and rivals Wolfsberger, it was announced Soriano was heading for the match.

Scroll down to see video of Soriano arriving and scoring his three goals

Dad's the word: Jonathan Soriano missed the first half to attend the birth of his daughter, but arrived in time to score three goals that kept his side in the hunt for the Austrian Bundesliga title

Dad's the word: Jonathan Soriano missed the first half to attend the birth of his daughter, but arrived in time to score three goals that kept his side in the hunt for the Austrian Bundesliga title

Jonathan Soriano

A friend said: 'The little senorita is there, we're on our way to the stadium. Tell the coach that Jonny would like to play if he can.'

Salzburg are second in the Austrian Bundesliga thanks largely to Soriano's goals. But approaching half-time, with their star man not nowhere to be seen, they were being held 2-2 at home.

Thankfully, Soriano was inspired by the joyous news of that morning and, after taking to the field at the start of the second half, fired his side to victory with a supreme hat-trick.

Just four minutes after coming on, he found the back of the net with a cute lob to put the defending champions into the lead.

You're late: Soriano was given a hero's welcome by the other substitutes after arriving on the bench

You're late: Soriano was given a hero's welcome by the other substitutes after arriving on the bench

You're late: Soriano was given a hero's welcome by the other substitutes after arriving on the bench

Then, after Alan had notched from close range, the father grabbed his second from a corner, and completed his memorable afternoon with a sharp finish from an acute angle.

The three strikes took the 27-year-old, who was tracked closely by Swansea recently, to within two of Philipp Hosiner, who has plundered 27 for first Admira then leaders Austria Vienna.

Reflecting on the day, he said: 'This is an incredible day for me. Having the chance to play and three goals, I think I will not forget any time soon.'



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