For over a decade, Manuel Neuer has been considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. From breaking Bundesliga records to being on the podium for the Ballon d’Or, Neuer has been Mr. Reliable for Bayern Munich.
However, on Wednesday evening, the 38-year-old had a night to forget. As Bayern Munich fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu, allowing Real Madrid to progress to the Champions League final, Neuer would be left wondering: why?
In the 88th minute, with Der Rekordmeister leading 1-0, Vinicius Junior fizzed in a shot from outside the box. As the ball bounced in front of Neuer, the Bayern goalkeeper failed to keep hold of the ball, offering Joselu the chance to level the tie.
A rare mistake from the German shot-stopper sent the Bernabéu into bedlam, inspiring Real Madrid to a vintage late comeback in the Champions League. Regardless, speaking to Sky Austria after the game, Neuer commented on the situation:
“Unfortunately, that’s somehow part of football. Unfortunately, it hit us today. It’s extremely bitter, and that’s how we feel today.”
“I have to say that it didn’t come as expected. Actually, I expected it to be more on the chest, and then it came towards the lower part of the neck, and then it was difficult for me to fix this ball. I also thought that I was holding it securely, but somehow it came up a little further, and then it was difficult for me. hold on to it.”
Nevertheless, Bayern did not miss out on the chance to face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley due to Neuer’s mistake. The record champions were vulnerable to the Real counter-attack, and this is something that Neuer took issue with:
“We really gave it our all. We had one or two situations where we countered, where we could have played it out better. That’s the only thing we can blame ourselves for.”
Nonetheless, it will be a rare season in which Bayern fail to lift any silverware. With changes expected to occur in the coaching department and playing staff, Der Rekordmeister will hope to come back stronger next year, especially with the final of the Champions League taking place at the Allianz Arena.
GGFN | Will Shopland
