In The Zone: How Manuel Neuer foiled Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final first leg
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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UEFA Technical Observer Rui Faria explains how Bayern München goalkeeper Manuel Neuer defied both Father Time and the Real Madrid forwards in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final opener at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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Ten days after turning 40, Manuel Neuer gave an exhibition of his enduring excellence at the Santiago Bernabeu last night. With nine saves, Bayern’s goalkeeper did more than anybody to secure their 2-1 first-leg advantage in this Champions League quarter-final – and earn himself the Player of the Match award.
"We needed him not only for his experience but his quality," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and the following analysis, brought to you by FedEx, will highlight two actions which encapsulate that contribution.
Happy returns
Neuer's two key moments came within a five-minute window just after the hour and offered a noteworthy contrast with events on his previous visit to Madrid. Then, in a May 2024 semi-final, his spilling of a Vinícius Júnior shot enabled Joselu to snatch the 88th-minute equaliser that sparked a late turnaround as Madrid grabbed a final place.
Now, as the video shows, Neuer produced two interventions in a five-minute spell that were crucial to containing another attempted fightback.
The video begins with Neuer's 66th-minute stop from Kylian Mbappé, described by Denmark and Manchester United goalkeeping great Peter Schmeichel on CBS Sports as "probably the best save I've seen all season".
"Handling low shots is where goalkeepers show their quality as it demands good balance, agility and speed of reaction," explained UEFA Technical Observer Rui Faria, pointing to the small steps taken by Neuer in the lead-up to the strike. "We see him adjusting constantly his position in relation to the attacker and the ball which mean he's ready to react to the shot."
'Composed in one v one'
The second clip shows Neuer draw on his experience when Vinícius Júnior races clear. "One of the most important skills for a goalkeeper is to stay composed in a one v one situation," said Faria. "If he goes down too early, he gives the attacker the possibility of an easier finish so it's decisive to delay the attacker's decision by staying on his feet as long as possible." Neuer's celebration as the shot flies wide underlines what it meant to him.
"To perform like this at this age is very difficult to do," said Kompany, who himself turns 40 on Friday. "You need special performances at this level in these kinds of games."
"Madrid were a constant threat with their pace and finishing," said Neuer, summing up his efforts. "For me, I just had to be at my best tonight."
Rui Faria worked as assistant to José Mourinho, winning the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League at Porto, multiple domestic trophies with Chelsea and Real Madrid, the 2009/10 Champions League with Inter and then the 2016/17 Europa League with Manchester United.
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