Gulf Today Report
Manuel Neuer made a strings of saves to deny an overwhelming Werder Bremen a victory against a lackluster Bayern Munich in their German League match on Saturday.
However, despite the draw Bayern remain at the top of the table with 19 points as they are closely followed by Bayer Leverkusen, who are trailing by just one point have 18 points to keep pressure on the leaders.
Germany goalkeeper Neuer produced great stops to twice deny US forward Josh Sargent as Bremen earned their first point at Bayern for a decade.
“We had to invest a lot,” Neuer told Sky.
The 34-year-old bounced back after conceding six goals in Germany’s crushing defeat by Spain in midweek with two brilliant first-half saves in quick succession.
He used a boot to block a Sargent shot, then lunged across goal to save from Ludwig Augustinsson.
In the dying stages, Neuer then stood tall to block a shot by Sargent, who had broken clear.
Bayern coach Hansi Flick was far from pleased that Bremen took the lead in his 50th game in charge, saying his team “have to defend better”.
Bremen deservedly went ahead just before half-time when midfielder Maximilian Eggestein finished off a superb attack.
“We conceded a very cheap goal, that’s how Bremen’s plan worked and they defended very well,” said Bayern forward Thomas Mueller.
Kingsley Coman equalised in the 62nd minute at the Allianz Arena by meeting a Leon Goretzka cross at the far post.
Bayern forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting fired over with the goal at his mercy five minutes from time.
However Neuer’s heroics at the other end preserved the draw to leave Bayern one point clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table.
Third-placed RB Leipzig can draw level on 19 points with defending champions Bayern if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt later on Saturday.
A day after his 16th birthday, Youssoufa Moukoko could become the youngest player in Bundesliga history if he plays for Borussia Dortmund at Hertha Berlin.