Hero Neuer saves the day for Bayern

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Hero Neuer saves the day for Bayern

Source:Global Times Published: 2012-4-26 21:40:02

Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (in green) stops a penalty kick from Real Madrid’s Kaka in the penalty shootout.

Manuel Neuer was the hero for Bayern Munich on Wednesday as his side went through to the Champions League final after beating Real Madrid 3-1 on penalties in the Santiago Bernabeu.

They will face Chelsea in their own Allianz Arena in Munich on May 19 after losing their return leg 2-1 after extra time, to send the tie into penalties with the Germans having won by the same score in the first game.

The keeper stopped Madrid's two initial spot-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, and Sergio Ramos blazed one over the bar before Bastian Schweinsteiger held his nerve to put the four-times European Champions through to the final.

Earlier Ronaldo had scored twice for Real before Arjen Robben grabbed one back to level the tie.

As the players gradually tired penalties loomed ever larger for only the third time in a semifinal in the Champions League era.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes was delighted on the final whistle.

Neuer celebrates the victory with teammates. Photos: IC

"We played a great game against an extraordinary opponent who went 2-0 ahead tonight but we have managed to get a goal back, our goalkeeper has been great at the end and we've had a bit of luck."

Mourinho was philosophical about the defeat.

"You have to be level-headed about it when you win and lose, football is like that.

"My team had a huge game in our league (against Barcelona) at the weekend while they were able to rest players and it was noticeable toward the end.

"At 2-1 any mistake would have lost the game but I'm proud of my players and we have to be strong. If we win our league it's a big step forward for us and we need six points for that," he said.

The game started at a furious pace and German international Sami Khedira had the first chance of the game on three minutes for Real forcing a save from Neuer in the Bayern goal.

Two minutes later Madrid were ahead thanks to Ronaldo from the penalty spot after Angel Di Maria's shot had fortuitously hit the outstretched arm of David Alaba.

Alaba was booked for that and will miss the final - later bookings for Luiz Gustavo and Holger Badstuber means they will also miss the big game.

Bayern's response was immediate and Robben should have leveled the game when he met Alaba's cross in the six-yard box.

Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal did enough to hurry the Dutchman, whose shot spun over the bar.

On 12 minutes Casillas blocked a shot from Toni Kroos and just when it seemed Bayern would quickly get back into the game Ronaldo struck again.

Khedira was quick in the tackle deep in Bayern's half to allow Mesut Ozil time to supply the Portuguese with a perfect pass that he converted with a well placed left footed shot.

Bayern fought back and their reward came from the penalty spot after Pepe pushed Gomez, Robben leveling the tie at 3-3 on aggregate.

AFP - Global Times

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (in green) stops a penalty kick from Real Madrid's Kaka in the penalty shootout.

Neuer celebrates the victory with teammates. Photos: IC

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