It’s frightening to realize my age as I collapse from a goal celebration.

Bayern Munich faced Bayer 04 Leverkusen on June 6 at 5 a.m. (Korean time) in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League held at the Fussball Arena Munich in Munich, Germany, winning decisively with a score of 3-0.

Bayern, having invited the formidable Leverkusen, perfectly led the game, defeating the challenging opponent by a margin of three goals in the first leg. As a result, Bayern can approach the second leg, to be held at Leverkusen's home, with some comfort.

Bayern deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Harry Kane occupied the forefront, while Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise stood in the attacking midfield. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich filled the midfield, with Alphonso Davies, Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and Konrad Laimer forming the back four. The goal was protected by Manuel Neuer.

Leverkusen also faced Bayern in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Armin Adli aimed for a goal, while Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong lined up in the attacking midfield. Ezekiel Palacios and Granit Xhaka operated in the midfield, and Pierluigi Gollini, Mario Hermoso, Jonathon Ta, and Nordi Mukiele made up the back four. The goalkeeper gloves were donned by Maciej Kovaresi.

A shocking moment occurred in the 5th minute of the first half. Kim Min-jae, competing with Frimpong, collapsed, complaining of ankle pain. He could not get up for a while but soon sprang up and re-entered the game.

Bayern struck the first goal. In the 9th minute of the first half, Olise, from the right side, delivered an early cross which was connected by Kane with a header at a high point, shaking the net.

Leverkusen also created opportunities. In the 14th minute of the first half, Upamecano made a back-pass mistake, which Frimpong connected to with a shot; however, Neuer made a save, rescuing the team from a crisis.

In the 22nd minute of the first half, Bayern experienced regret. A corner kick delivered from the right was aimed at Musiala’s head, but Musiala jumped high to attempt a header, only to hit the crossbar.

Bayern again faced regret. In the 31st minute of the first half, Kimmich received the ball from a somewhat distant position in front of the box and attempted a long-range shot, but it slightly missed the goal.

The first half concluded with Bayern leading 1-0. Bayern added to the score in the second half. In the 9th minute of the second half, Kimmich delivered a cross which goalkeeper Kovaresi mishandled, leading to Musiala pushing the ball in to make it a 2-0 score.

A variable arose for Bayern. Goalkeeper Neuer complained of discomfort. Ultimately, Bayern summoned Neuer to the bench in the 13th minute of the second half and substituted him for Jonas Urbig.

Leverkusen faced a disaster. In the 17th minute of the second half, Mukiele, who had previously received a yellow card, fouled Coman by hitting his calf during an attempt to stop him, resulting in a second yellow card and ejection.

Bayern netted an additional goal. In the 18th minute of the second half, a corner kick situation saw Tapsoba excessively pulling Kane, and after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, a penalty kick was awarded. Kane took the penalty and added to the score with a perfect kick, making it 3-0.

In the 44th minute of the second half, Bayern called Kim Min-jae and Goretzka to the bench and brought on Eric Dier and Joao Palhinha. Six minutes of extra time were awarded. The match concluded with Bayern achieving a 3-0 victory.

After this match, Bayern suffered an unprecedented loss—goalkeeper and captain Neuer's injury. Neuer left the field after being substituted for the promising goalkeeper born in 2004, Urbig, in the 10th minute of the second half. The reason was quite absurd; Neuer was injured while celebrating after scoring a goal.

Consequently, Bayern's next-generation goalkeeper, Urbig, has stepped up. Furthermore, a greater burden awaits Urbig. Due to the severity of Neuer's injury being worse than expected, Urbig must serve as the starting goalkeeper for the time being. Although it's a burden, it may also present an opportunity.

Bayern communicated on their official website that 'Neuer was injured during the match against Leverkusen. He collapsed due to an injury to his right calf and a muscle fiber rupture,' adding, 'The exact extent of the injury has not been determined. We will provide updates after further professional examinations,' sharing somewhat gloomy news.

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