While Kompany received the tactical credit, the performance of Neuer between the sticks was the primary talking point in the wake of the game. At 40 years of age, the veteran goalkeeper proved he remains among the elite, making several crucial interventions to preserve Bayern’s lead and earn the man of the match award. His ability to frustrate Real Madrid’s star-studded attack was the difference-maker throughout the ninety minutes.
Dreesen was effusive in his praise for the club captain, highlighting the disparity in goalkeeping quality on the night. “We had something in our game today that Real didn't have: our X-factor, our 40-year-old, our world-class goalkeeper. Manuel, you were extraordinary today,” the CEO remarked.
Despite some shaky distribution at times, Neuer was noted for the way he oozed confidence inside his own penalty area while denying the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.