At 39 years old, Manuel Neuer consistently proves why he remains one of the world`s elite goalkeepers. His exceptional form was on full display against Flamengo in the Club World Cup round of 16, a match Bayern won 4-2. He pulled off a breathtaking save in the 15th minute, leaving spectators speechless. Luiz Araújo fired a shot that seemed destined for the net, but Neuer, exhibiting lightning-fast reflexes, managed to repel it.
“Situations like these are trained until the body reacts automatically,” Neuer stated after the match. Despite conceding twice, the German shot-stopper looked to be in prime form, poised to face PSG`s potent offense in the quarter-finals, thereby laying down the gauntlet to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Any uncertainties about his performance from previous seasons now appear to be a thing of the past. Gaffes like his Champions League semi-final blunder against Real Madrid last season or his sending off in the German Cup against Leverkusen once hinted at a potential decline. Yet, his contract extension until 2026 and the club`s steadfast confidence affirm his indispensable role at Bayern. “He is a world-class goalkeeper and brings a sense of calm to the entire defense,” stated Sporting Director Max Eberl.
This Saturday, Neuer faces a significantly tougher challenge. Nevertheless, Bayern holds no fear of PSG, against whom they are undefeated in their last four matches, a run that includes the 2020 Champions League final where the veteran custodian played a decisive role in clinching the trophy. A truly memorable triumph.
