Vincent Kompany made a few changes to the starting XI on Tuesday when Bayern Munich travelled to Cyprus to face Pafos. However, there was no significant change in the goal as Jonas Urbig stayed in Munich to recover from an injury. Manuel Neuer started the game in Cyprus as he continues to enjoy a fine start to the season.
The start in Cyprus marked a big milestone for Manuel Neuer. The German goalkeeper entered the list of the top five in the all-time Champions League appearances. He has equalled Karim Benzema’s record of 152 appearances in the competition.
Neuer is currently behind his former Bayern teammate Thomas Müller in the list. There is a long road ahead to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 183 appearances in the Premier competition.
The German goalkeeper already holds the record of most clean sheets in the Champions League with 60, three ahead of former Real Madrid and Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Neuer has achieved this feat in lesser number of games than Casillas.
Considering the number of games has increased in the new format, Neuer can achieve the record of most appearances in the competition if he ends up playing at the top level for three to four years.
Neuer remains the number one goalkeeper for Bayern despite the presence of young goalkeepers like Jonas Urbig, Alexander Nubel, and Daniel Peretz on the club’s books. The veteran German goalkeeper continues to excel in sweeping, and his shot-saving remains steady.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper was under scrutiny during Hinrunde last season when he made big mistakes. However, Neuer has once again shown his incredible mentality to bounce back from setbacks and get back to his best.
Neuer in the top 5 🧤#UCL pic.twitter.com/7wYPxE59RC
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 30, 2025
Bayern Munich eye ninth consecutive win this season
Neuer will look to earn another vital clean sheet against Pafos as Bayern eye their ninth consecutive win this season. The Bavarian club has made a strong start in Cyprus. A win on Tuesday will ensure Bayern make a good start to the Champions League and remain on track to book their place in the next round by finishing in the top 8.
The record Bundesliga champions started their Champions League with a crucial 3-1 win against Chelsea two weeks ago. Vincent Kompany's men had a mixed group campaign in UCL last season. The Belgian will hope his players show more ruthlessness this season to ensure automatic qualification for the next round.