2024-09-18 18:06:32
The Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb started with a shock for the Munich team. Coach Vincent Kompany had to take action during the half-time break. Neuer also spoke out after the game.
First appearance in the 2024/25 Champions League for FC Bayern Munich – but the Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb turned out to be completely different than hoped, at least in terms of personnel. The Munich team had to accept a severe blow in terms of personnel: goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could not continue after an unfortunate fall and had to leave the game at half-time.
The 4th minute in the Allianz Arena: Neuer, a little over-motivated, comes out of his goal and even out of his own sixteen-yard box, jumping into a header against Zagreb’s Bruno Petković. The goalkeeper collides with the Croatian and hits the grass with his back. In slow motion, it almost looks as if Neuer hits the ground with his head.
Both have to be treated briefly, but Neuer is visibly in pain and appears to be under the weather, but is ultimately able to continue. At least until half-time. When play is interrupted, Neuer speaks to the Bayern team doctor on the sidelines. What’s more, after the half-time whistle, the 38-year-old speaks directly to goalkeeping coach Michael Rechner and substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, who then begins to warm up.
After the half-time break it was clear: Ulreich would be in goal for the Munich team for the remaining 45 minutes, Neuer stayed out as a precautionary measure. FC Bayern did not initially give an official reason for the substitution. Joshua Kimmich took over the captain’s armband for Neuer. It was Ulreich’s first competitive appearance for Bayern since April, when he played in the Bundesliga match against 1. FC Cologne (2-0).
At least: After the game, Neuer was back with his teammates and was able to celebrate the overwhelming 9:2 (3:0) victory. And later gave the all-clear: “I fell and my stamina was a bit off after that,” said Neuer after the game in the mixed zone. “Then I hit a few balls and it stung my thigh. But it’s nothing serious. A small thing.”