Bayern won comfortably on their European night, but it could’ve been an entirely different story if not for the German’s heroics.
Manuel Neuer may have failed to register a clean sheet in Bayern’s 3-1 win over RB Salzburg, but he was probably the most influential player in the Champions League fixture.
The German shot-stopper was tested multiple times by the Austrian opposition and each time bar one it was he who came out on top, producing a remarkable 10 saves.
His magnificent double save to deny Mergim Berisha and Enock Mwepu was the finest moment of a match that included well-worked goals from Robert Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman, and Leroy Sane.
The 34-year-old’s heroics helped Bayern maintain their perfect record in Group A and progress to the last 16.
“Manu has been playing sensationally for over a year. With him, the goal for the striker is getting smaller and smaller,” a delighted Hansi Flick told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, via Goal.
“He is in the form of his life. He is an insane professional and very focused on his job.”
Neuer added: “We have conceded too many goals recently. It was, of course, also down to the opponents. We played against a strong team. We lost the ball too easily and that hurt us.
“For me, it is important that we won today and are group winners. You do what you can.”