Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has jumped to the defence of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer following the German club’s dramatic 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.
Fans witnessed one of the most unforgettable nights in Champions League history at the Parc des Princes as PSG and Bayern delivered a breathtaking nine-goal thriller that shattered records for the highest-scoring semi-final match in the competition.
Bayern made the brighter start through Harry Kane, but PSG quickly responded with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and João Neves to turn the game around.
Michael Olise pulled Bayern level before Ousmane Dembele restored the hosts’ advantage from the penalty spot before halftime.
The second half produced even more drama as PSG’s relentless attack tore through Bayern’s defence. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele both grabbed their second goals of the night to put the French champions in firm control.
Still, Bayern refused to go down without a fight. Late strikes from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz reduced the deficit and ensured the tie remains finely balanced ahead of next week’s decisive second leg at the Allianz Arena.
Despite the excitement surrounding the contest, much of the spotlight afterward fell on Manuel Neuer, who endured a difficult evening in goal for Bayern.
The veteran goalkeeper conceded five goals from five shots on target and failed to register a single save throughout the match.
The statistic saw Neuer become the first goalkeeper in the last 16 Champions League seasons to concede five or more goals in a knockout fixture without making a save.
However, Oshoala believes the criticism directed at the Bayern captain is unfair considering his importance to the club’s European campaign this season.
The Nigerian forward took to social media platform X to defend the experienced goalkeeper, reminding fans of his crucial performances earlier in the competition.
Neuer had played a decisive role in Bayern’s quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid, especially during the first leg where he delivered a world-class display, making nine saves and earning Man of the Match honours.
Bayern now face a huge challenge heading into the return leg against PSG, but the German side will still fancy their chances with the tie delicately poised.
With attacking talent on display across both squads and defensive frailties exposed in Paris, football fans can expect another explosive encounter when the two European heavyweights meet again next week.
The winner of the tie will advance to the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, where either Arsenal or Atlético Madrid await.
