Manuel Neuer breaks silence on costly mistake as Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich

Everybody involved with Bayern Munich will understandably feel hard-done-by after the unfortunate outcome of the UEFA Champions League semifinal last night. A game which was bursting with quality over both legs was unfortunately decided by controversial refereeing calls with Bayern Munich on the bitter end of those harsh decisions.

Nobody will feel more hard-done-by than Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neueur, though. The veteran goalkeeper put in a vintage performance and one of his best in a Bayern Munich jersey (amongst a pile of other legendary displays, it must be said).

Manuel Neuer breaks silence on costly mistake as Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich

It was a costly mistake from Neuer which ended up costing Bayern Munich of their place in the Champions League final. The goalkeeper made a save which ended up fumbling from his grasp, presenting the ball to Real Madrid substitute Joselu to slot home. While the controversial calls were not in the control of Bayern Munich, this goalkeeper error was in their control.

Still, fingers will not be pointed at Manuel Neuer because he was the reason why Bayern Munich remained competitive in this fixture until that point. As per FotMob stats, Neuer made five saves in this second leg fixture. He also made 42 touches which is impressive for a goalkeeper - Still, this is his trademark style and last night was no different.

As his own harshest critic, it did not take long for Neuer to break his silence after the heartbreak. As per Sky Austria (h/t GGFN), Neuer reflected on the "bitter" feeling of conceding in such fashion. He also gave a great goalkeeping analysis which fans may not have noticed with the naked eye.

In his own words, Neuer said: “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.”

Look, it is one of those things which happen in football. A mere misjudgement and it not Neuer's fault, despite not looking great on the highlight reel. Those who watched the game will have been amazed by the goalkeeper's incredible display and before this point, he looked like the brick wall we all know him as.

What did you make of Manuel Neuer's performance against Real Madrid?