'That's a shame' - Manuel Neuer explains why he couldn't stop Pafos goal as Bayern Munich goalkeeper gives cheeky lesson to journalist after Champions League win

Bayern eased to a commanding 5-1 win over Pafos in the Champions League, but the Cypriot side still found their moment of glory. Croatian forward Orsic unleashed a thunderous strike from more than 20 metres, sending the ball into the top-right corner past a rooted superstar German goalkeeper Neuer. It was Pafos’ only breakthrough of the evening as Bayern’s class ultimately proved too strong.

After the game, Neuer was asked if the strike was unstoppable. He initially answered with a firm “Yes,” but when pressed further, he gave a more detailed explanation with a cheeky jab at the reporter. 

“Is that why you reacted a little late?” asked the journalist. Neuer shot back: “No. Have you ever been in goal before?” When the reporter admitted he had not, Neuer quipped: “That’s a shame.”

He then explained: “[Orsic] takes a swing and lets the ball slide over his instep. The shot should have gone in my direction, but because it slides over his instep, you only see late that it goes off to the right.” Turning to the wider press group, he joked: “You’ve played football before, so you know what I’m talking about. So that’s the short answer to the question.”

While Neuer’s exchange grabbed attention, Bayern’s outfield stars ensured the win was beyond doubt. German star midfielder Joshua Kimmich controlled the midfield with precision passing and sharp interceptions, keeping the tempo high alongside Aleksander Pavlovic. English hero Kane produced another masterclass with two clinical finish, underlining why he remains Bayern’s talisman. While, Olise was arguably the standout performer, directly contributing to four of Bayern’s goals with two assists and one super strike of his own. Nicolas Jackson also got on the scoresheet, marking his first goal for the club since joining from Chelsea.

For Neuer, the evening was largely uneventful aside from Orsic’s stunner. Bayern’s second straight Champions League win leaves them top of the group with an 8-2 goal difference after two games. Attention now shifts back to the Bundesliga, where Vincent Kompany’s men face a tough test against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend. In Europe, their next fixture sees them take on Club Bruges as the Bavarians look to extend their perfect start.

Additional reporting by Christian Guinin.