Bayern Munich shotstopper Manuel Neuer sets Champions League record in 1-0 win over Arsenal
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer etched his name into the UEFA Champions League record books on Wednesday (April 17) against Arsenal.
With Bayern drawing 2-2 in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie at the Emirates last week, Joshua Kimmich's second-half winner propelled Thomas Tuchel's deposed Bundesliga champions into the semifinals of the Champions League.
In keeping a clean sheet - his 58th in the competition in his 138th appearance, Neuer broke a tie with the legendary Iker Casillas to become the custodian with the most clean sheets in the Champions League.
The two-time UCL winner told DAZN (via GOAL) following the win over Arsenal at the Allianz Arena:
"It feels good. We put in a very good performance. We gave them very little. That discipline was the deciding factor today."
Having seen their 12-year Bundesliga stranglehold ended by surprise winners Bayer Leverkusen, Neuer and Co's only realistic title hope this season is the Champions League.
However, Bayern face a stern challenge next, as they go up against record 14-time winners Real Madrid, who saw off holders Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
There's very little to separate in their head-to-head, with Bayern narrowly leading Los Blancos 12-11 in 26 meetings. It will be their first clash since Madrid won 4-3 on aggregate in the 2017-18 semifinals en route the title.
What's next for Bayern Munich and Arsenal?
Arsenal and Bayern Munich have had impressive seasons, especially the former, who are two points off the Premier League summit with six games to go.
The Gunners came undone at the Allianz Arena in midweek, but there's little time to dwell on the defeat, as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers away in the Premier League on Saturday (April 20) next.
Meanwhile, Bayern will look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on the same day. After hosting Eintracht Frankfurt in the league a week later, the Bundesliga giants welcome Real Madrid to the Allianz Arena on April 30 for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.