FC Bayern is playing away today against FSV Mainz 05. The record champions are looking to secure another win and hope to carry over their momentum from the Champions League.
The record champions’ lineup has already been announced, and Kompany’s replacement, Aaron Danks, is making some changes. Nathaniel Brown and Aleksandar Pavlović are moving up to the first team.
This also means that Manuel Neuer has remained fit. He’ll be in goal, just as he was on Tuesday at the Metropolitano against Atlético.
Neuer sets a new record
Following Bayern’s match in Spain, it was reported that the team would have to closely monitor how the veteran goalkeeper’s previously injured foot would respond to the strain. Recently, however, Neuer has continued to train with the team, which was already seen as a good sign.
The match against Mainz is also an important milestone for Neuer, who had recently been sidelined for an extended period in the Bundesliga. That’s because the goalkeeper has set yet another record. With his appearance, Neuer has become the oldest player ever to play for the record champions in the Bundesliga.
At 40 years and 225 days, he has now set this record, surpassing Bernd Dreher, who played in a few games for FCB as an experienced backup goalkeeper. Dreher last played in the Bundesliga at the age of 40 years and 198 days.
Neuer will, of course, try to extend this “record” even further. His contract with FC Bayern runs until the end of the season, and he is expected to make a few more appearances before then. Neuer remains the starting goalkeeper, but he is increasingly listening to his body and taking breaks when necessary.
As a result, Jonas Urbig—who is set to become the permanent number one in goal starting in the summer of 2027—is already getting some playing time.