Neuer rebounds from costly error as Bayern seals Champions League semifinal place

by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer endured a night of extremes as his side edged past Real Madrid to reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Television cameras lingered on Neuer's reaction after his costly mistake allowed Arda Guler to score into an empty net, with the veteran goalkeeper taking a deep breath in an apparent attempt to regain composure.

The error contrasted sharply with his performance in last week's 2-1 first-leg win, and helped turn the quarterfinal into a tense contest before Bayern advanced 6-4 on aggregate.

Neuer, 40, recovered to make several key saves in the second half as Bayern held on in a chaotic match.

"He is a world-class keeper, maybe the best," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said. "To get over something like that proves his exceptional quality."

The Germany international has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks, including calls from former players and pundits for a return to the national team, while also welcoming the birth of his second child with his wife Anika.

"At first, you must manage to deal with a crazy game. We haven't experienced anything like that before," said Neuer, a member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad.

Bayern's victory keeps it on course for a treble, with a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain ahead, a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen, and the Bundesliga title within reach as early as next weekend.

Neuer has reaffirmed his decision to retire from international football to focus on club commitments, while uncertainty remains over his future at Bayern.

"We are happy, I am happy, that we made it. We enjoy the moment together," he said.

Bayern returns to domestic action on Sunday against Stuttgart, with the chance to secure the Bundesliga title. ■