UEFA Champions League 2016/17, Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points

#4. Manuel Neuer shows everyone why he’s the best keeper in the world, and Javi Martinez’s moment(s) of madness cost his team dearly

Were it not for Manuel Neuer, this tie would be over as a contest. It’s as simple as that. He pulled off an incredible amount of top-draw saves... from Karim Benzema where he somehow managed to find the agility to reach a ball destined for the top corner, and the strength to claw it onto the bar, and out of danger... from Cristiano Ronaldo as he dove low to the right... from Gareth Bale as he tipped over exactly the kind of header that had blown Keylor Navas away at the other end. But it was a stunning save from Ronaldo that really caught the eye. Ronaldo had received the ball in the box and hammered the ball with immense power, from point blank range there was no saving it, or so he thought. Neuer stuck out a hand with the kind of reflexes that would make a flea proud – and the ball pinged off him... like his outstretched arm was made of adamantium.

Terminator? you have nothing on Manuel Neuer.

Javi Martinez, though, was at the opposite end of the spectrum. Stupid doesn’t even begin to describe his sending-off. After having initially been cautioned for an idiotic tug on Ronaldo in the middle of the park, he went on to immediately replicate his actions... almost in the exact same spot. He had been reasonably decent in the game – a couple of rash challenges on Benzema aside – but with him gone, Bayern had absolutely no chance as they were completely overrun in the middle of the park.

And the worst thing? Bayern Munich will walk into a must-win match at the Santiago Bernabeu with just one recognised central defender. (Jerome Boateng, for those wondering)