Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala has come to the defence of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer following his difficult performance in the club’s 5–4 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The match, played at the Parc des Princes, produced a nine-goal spectacle and set a new record for the highest number of goals scored in a Champions League semi-final encounter. Despite the result, the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg.
Bayern made a strong start, with Harry Kane opening the scoring early in the contest. However, the French side responded quickly as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and João Neves turned the match in their favour.
The German champions equalised through Michael Olise, but a penalty from Ousmane Dembélé ensured Paris Saint-Germain held a narrow lead going into half-time.
The second half continued at a similar pace, with both sides creating chances. PSG extended their advantage as Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each added to their tallies, completing braces on the night. Bayern, however, mounted a late comeback, with goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz reducing the deficit and keeping their hopes alive ahead of the second leg.
Despite the attacking spectacle, much attention focused on Neuer’s performance. The veteran goalkeeper conceded five goals from five shots on target and did not register a single save during the match. According to records, he became the first goalkeeper in the past 16 Champions League seasons to concede five or more goals in a knockout match without making a save.
Reacting during the game on social media platform X, Oshoala defended the German international, suggesting that his contribution to Bayern’s progress this season should not be overlooked.
Neuer had been instrumental in Bayern’s quarter-final victory over Real Madrid. In the first leg of that tie, he delivered an outstanding display, making nine saves and earning the man-of-the-match award, preventing the Spanish side from gaining control.
Tuesday’s defeat marked Bayern Munich’s second loss in this season’s Champions League campaign. While the result puts them at a disadvantage, the narrow margin ensures the tie remains open.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the decisive second leg, where Bayern will seek to overturn the deficit and PSG aim to secure their place in the final.
