Overview

• Manuel Neuer denied Luiz Araújo’s close-range strike in the first half of the 4-2 win over Flamengo, earning plaudits as the tournament’s standout stop.
• Joshua Kimmich’s jubilant reaction and sporting director Max Eberl’s praise highlighted Neuer’s leadership and validated his contract extension.
• The 39-year-old’s performance offers redemption following his October leg injury and Bayern’s recent Champions League exit.
• Bayern’s victory in the Club World Cup semifinal secures a quarterfinal meeting with reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
• Neuer’s show-stopping save serves as a psychological message as Bayern gears up for their high-profile clash with PSG.