'We crushed them' – Manuel Neuer says Bayern Munich 'were simply' cooler than Chelsea as goalkeeper labels Champions League win a 'crowning achievement'

Manuel Neuer claims Bayern Munich's 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Champions League opener was more than just a win, but rather a "crowning achievement" for the team. The Bayern goalkeeper believes they have improved as a squad and the result is a testament to it. The 39-year-old also completed his 100th Champions League victory with a win over the Premier League side.

'We crushed them' - Manuel Neuer says Bayern Munich 'were simply' cooler than Chelsea as goalkeeper labels Champions League win a 'crowning achievement''We crushed them' - Manuel Neuer says Bayern Munich 'were simply' cooler than Chelsea as goalkeeper labels Champions League win a 'crowning achievement''We crushed them' - Manuel Neuer says Bayern Munich 'were simply' cooler than Chelsea as goalkeeper labels Champions League win a 'crowning achievement'

Neuer was solid in Bayern’s win over , making key saves and commanding his area with experience and calm. He helped maintain a strong defensive shape, limiting the London club’s chances and playing a crucial role in Bayern’s confident start to the campaign. The 39-year-old’s performance showcased why he remains one of the top goalkeepers, contributing significantly to the team’s victory, with coach Vincent Kompany labelling his performance “insane.”

Neuer expressed his happiness after Bayern’s win, praising the team’s strong form and momentum. He acknowledged the challenge of facing the Club champions and emphasised the importance of building on this victory.

“When you’re a player, you always want to win. For us, the greatest thing is to play in the Champions League and win it,” he said. “That’s why it’s always a distant goal. You have to try to do your homework. The game against Chelsea isn’t homework, but rather a crowning achievement, the way we played today. We crushed them here at home. But in the new league format, we’re first playing to get into the top eight. Then you want to progress in the knockout rounds toward the final.”

Neuer added: “You’re playing against a team, against a team that, in some ways, played similarly to in the second half away from home. These are examples from the that you can then translate to the Champions League. We showed there that we also have to fight. That was an important factor today. Nevertheless, we were also the better team in terms of playing skills. We were simply cooler with the ball.”

Neuer joined Bayern in 2011 after making his mark at Schalke, where he debuted in the Champions League in 2007. Known for standout moments like saving penalties against in 2011-12, he went on to anchor Bayern’s 2013 Champions League triumph. Now celebrating his 100th win in the competition, Neuer’s consistency and clean-sheet record cement his place among the greatest goalkeepers in Champions League history.

Asked about his 100th Champions League victory, the German goalkeeper said: “It’s a number. But it’s much more important to have won these victories with the team. We celebrate together.”

Kompany’s side have little time to savour this victory as they must quickly reset and sharpen their focus to face another crucial league challenge against Hoffenheim on September 20, before they face Cypriot side Pafos in their next Champions League outing.