* Translated by AI

Kim Min-jae was also surprised from the bench as Bayern Munich unleashed a horror show just 35 seconds into the match. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer admitted, "I'm the worst," taking full responsibility for the early goal, but he later entered "god mode" in the second half.

Updated:

Park Jaeho

*This content was translated by AI.

Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (40) recalled the moment of the "blackout."

Munich secured a 4-3 comeback victory in the second leg of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 home match against Real Madrid, held at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 16th (Korean time).

Munich, having won the first leg away 2-1, advanced to the semifinals with an aggregate score of 6-4. This sets up a clash in the semifinals between Munich and PSG, the "defending champion" that defeated Liverpool to reach this stage. A "Korean derby" between Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in (PSG) also materialized.

Currently, Munich is aiming for a treble—winning the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and the UEFA Champions League—for the first time in six years, following their successes in the 2012–2013 and 2019–2020 seasons.

On this day, Munich conceded the opening goal just 35 seconds into the match due to a critical error by Neuer. After collecting the ball in his own half, Neuer mishandled the kick, sending it toward Arda Güler. Güler immediately took a shot, and the ball went over Neuer and into the empty net. Neuer briefly stood in stunned silence before shouting into the air and blaming himself.

Fortunately, Alexander Pavlovic equalized with a header five minutes later, and after a chaotic match, Munich won 4-3, allowing Neuer to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Germany's "Sky Sports" reported today that Neuer spoke out about his own "blackout" incident that occurred during Real Madrid's victory in the second leg of the UCL.

Kylian Mbappé (left) and Manuel Neuer (right). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Kylian Mbappé (left) and Manuel Neuer (right). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

In a post-match interview, Noier said, "I originally intended to connect with Josip Stanisic on the wing, but I failed to make solid contact with the ball. It was truly the worst pass." He added, "Guler immediately dealt with it using his excellent left foot. As seen in free-kick situations, he knows how to generate power, which is one of his strengths," explaining the situation at the time.

Teammates also covered for Noier's mistake. Joshua Kimmich calmly said about the early goal conceded, "It was not an ideal situation." Pavlovic stated, "It was not a good moment, but in such situations, the team comes together. We remained steady and responded well, and that is exactly what strong teams do."

Max Eberl, the sports director of FC Bayern Munich, said, "It probably wasn't the start Neuer had imagined. In football, a player can become a hero in one match and turn into a fool with an early mistake in the next," but added, "Nevertheless, he helped the team refocus on the game with a crucial save in the second half."

Even though he was not at his best, he expressed satisfaction regarding his save in the 10th minute of the second half against Kylian Mbappé's sharp shot, stating, "It was a decisive moment. The ball rose, and the way I saved it was probably my typical style of save."

Manuel Neuer makes a save. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Manuel Neuer makes a save. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

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*This content was translated by AI.

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