Manuel Neuer made history in FC Bayern's 4-0 win at Hertha BSC on Sunday. The 33-year-old custodian made it 15 clean sheets in only his 21st encounter with the Berliners, equalling a Bundesliga record. Only Oliver Reck, who also recorded 15 shutouts against Borussia Mönchengladbach, has kept that many clean sheets against one club (though he achieved it in 25 matches).
The Germany goalkeeper pulled off one oustanding save on his way to achieving this record in the 87th minute of Sunday's game. Pascal Köpke – the son of Germany's goalkeeping coach – was presented with a free shot from five metres out, but Neuer made himself big and deflected the ball away with his right arm. Bayern were already leading 4-0 at this point but their captain was determined to hold onto the clean sheet.
David Alaba & Co congratulate Manuel Neuer after his excellent save from Pascal Köpke.
"That save was ridiculous!" lauded David Alaba afterwards. By equalling the record, Neuer underlined once more his status as one of the best Bundesliga keepers of all time. It was also the 2014 World Cup winner's fifth clean sheet of this season, and a few more would give Bayern the best chance of defending their title – preferably starting this weekend against Schalke 04.
Thomas Müller's opening goal put Bayern on the road to victory.
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