Manuel Neuer faced a bizarre situation during the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. Just after Jamal Musiala scored to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute, the 38-year-old Neuer sustained an injury. Moments after the pivotal goal, he indicated that he could no longer continue in his 150th Champions League match.
According to coach Vincent Kompany, it appeared that the injury occurred during the celebration. Neuer clutched his calf and had to be substituted for U21 national goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who is 21 years old. Sporting director Max Eberl commented on Neuer’s condition, stating, „It is something muscular,“ while alluding to the forthcoming examinations.
For Urbig, it was a memorable evening as he celebrated his debut in the FC Bayern jersey during the 3-0 victory (1-0). Kompany noted, „There are easier games for a debut.“ He described Urbig, who was signed from 1. FC Köln in January, as „very calm, very composed“ in the few months he had been with the team. However, the coach emphasized that he did not want to place any „zero pressure“ on Urbig’s shoulders.