Bayern Munich shot stopper Manuel Neuer has overtaken retired Spanish Veteran Iker Casillas as the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in the history of the Uefa Champions League, recording his 58th shutout against Arsenal in Tuesday’s quarter-final 1-0 win.
The previous record was held by Ilker Casillas, with 57 clean sheets in 177 outings for Real Madrid.
However, the giant 1.92m frame of Manuel Neuer has certainly been a terror for opposing teams, especially forwards of other elite European clubs — with Neuer’s fanciful art of sweeping the ball to perfection, coupled with instinctive reflexes, making it almost impossible to go past him.
The blend of skill and physique has seen the former Schalke O4 goalkeeper move past Iker Casillas on the all-time ranking for the most clean sheets in the Champions Leagues history.
In a league of his own now, Neuer is in good company on the chart, with retired legends Iker Casilas and Gigi Buffon, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The 38-year-old, who attained this milestone in 39 games less than former record holder Casillas, has the opportunity to further consolidate and extend his lead at the top, with a trip to the usurped Casillas’ former club (Real Madrid) coming up in the semi-final.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo| univers.ug.edu.gh
