Bayern: Neuer, 40 and still as good as ever between the posts

The indomitable Manuel Neuer. The years may pass, but Bayern Munich’s last line of defence – who turned 40 on 27 March – remains as impressive as ever in goal, as demonstrated by his remarkable and much-talked-about performance at Real Madrid (2-1) on Tuesday.

Don’t mention age to him. Not to Kylian Mbappé (27), but to Manuel Neuer (40), who, incidentally, frustrated the French striker on several occasions during Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory away at Real Madrid on Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Bavarian goalkeeper finished the match with nine saves – a first at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Champions League knockout stages – and was named man of the match, naturally. How could it have been otherwise?

Beaten by goal-line technology

The former Schalke 04 player got off to a perfect start with a first save against Mbappé, followed by another against Vinicius, before frustrating the Frenchman once again before half-time. And even when he didn’t touch the ball, Neuer was decisive, as demonstrated by his quick rush to deny ‘Vini’ following Dayot Upamecano’s mistake. It took a point-blank shot from ‘Kyk’s’ to finally beat him. And even then, the German international came close to pulling off a miracle; in fact, it was goal-line technology that had to settle the matter.

When explaining the defeat, the Merengue all mentioned his name. And when analysing the victory, the Roten did too. “Do we sleep better knowing that Neuer is our goalkeeper? I sleep like a baby (laughs)! He had a great game, yes. We played a great game. Both teams had plenty of chances, but I think our victory is deserved,” said the (highly) versatile attacking midfielder Serge Gnabry after the match, speaking to TNT Sports.

Neuer reveals his secret

“He makes it look so easy. Great goalkeepers manage to make incredible saves from crazy angles look effortless. He’s always very good at positioning himself, especially on his line. We won’t win the competition without more performances like this from him,” added Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, who is, incidentally, younger than his goalkeeper, having not yet turned 40.

Neuer, for his part, celebrated his 40th birthday less than two weeks ago. “It’s my sport, I love this sport, I love training, I really enjoy being part of this team. It’s a passion. That’s the secret to lasting,” he revealed on Canal+. “I’ve said it before: 40 is still young,” Kompany remarked after the match. “I’m turning 40 this weekend and I know that’s still young (laughs).” After all, there’s no age limit on winning a third Champions League trophy…