Bayern legend Neuer ready for one last showdown with old enemies Real Madrid
Although he no longer embodies the bold sweeper-keeper from his peak, the two-time Champions League champion excelled in Bayern's 2-1 triumph during the first leg in Madrid.
Awarded man of the match honours, Neuer completed nine saves and mostly contained Real's key threats Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Neuer who reached 40 years old in March holds a contract with Munich through to the seasons end.
Bayern appear keen to extend their veteran goalkeepers deal and captains role for an additional year yet Neuer has frequently indicated he remains undecided about his path ahead.
The victor of the 2014 World Cup has encountered difficulties with muscle issues across the previous two seasons.
Typically the automatic choice for the lineup this term he has sat out 11 fixtures while combating recurring calf strains.
After already dismissing any involvement in this summers World Cup clinching a third Champions League success paired with a record matching 13th Bundesliga crown would mark an ideal farewell.
Bayern have long led German football yet Neuer's entry alongside fellow luminaries such as Thomas Muller Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger propelled the team to unprecedented levels.
Before Neuer joined in 2011 Bayern had never claimed more than three straight Bundesliga titles however they have only lost out twice across the following 15 campaigns.
Two among Bayern's six Champions League successes occurred with Neuer guarding the net.
Even following 15 years Bayern continue to rely on Neuer's exceptional talents. Chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen noted last week "We possessed what Real lacked our elite goalkeeper our key differentiator."
Defender Jonathan Tah queried journalists "Are you taken aback?" and went on "He radiates a unique aura most notably through the stops he repeatedly delivers.
"Do not regard it as routine although for him it happens daily."
Neuer's remarkable interventions fill video compilations nevertheless his guidance proves essential as Bayern recover from their third position in the 2023/24 Bundesliga to vie again for Champions League glory.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany in merely his second year leading a side with European aspirations voiced this post first leg.
"Manu utters a single phrase and calm returns to the group. Thus his command holds equal value to me as his pitch performance" Kompany remarked further noting Neuer "simplified my initial period beyond expectations."
'Brutally difficult'
Approaching Wednesdays second leg Neuer remains the lone active Bayern squad member with prior two-legged success over Madrid. Post their 2012 semi-final upset against the Spanish outfit Bayern had secured zero victories in eight subsequent clashes with Los Blancos until recently.
Moreover the Gelsenkirchen born star carries extra incentive to prevail over Real this instance. Two seasons back with Bayern edging Los Blancos in the semi-finals closing moments Neuer mishandled a Vinicius effort which Joselu converted to draw level.
Soon thereafter Joselu struck once more ousting Bayern while Real advanced to lift the trophy at Wembley.
Notwithstanding their initial advantage Bayern hold deep familiarity with foes having contested 29 ties the highest in Europe and harbour caution towards the competition experts.
Real faced fresh LaLiga disappointment Friday trailing Barcelona by nine points now but Joshua Kimmich concedes the 15-fold champions ignite when the Champions League melody echoes.
"Kylian Mbappe and colleagues current state holds no relevance. In Champions League they excel" Kimmich observed Saturday.
"We fully grasp our adversaries. It presents a fiercely challenging endeavour" Leon Goretzka echoed that day. "We recognise their rapid chance creation. We foresee the challenges."