Marc-André ter Stegen did the previously impossible by out-shining his more illustrious compatriot, Manuel Neuer, on one of the soccer world’s biggest stages.
Ter Stegen made a stunning double save for Barcelona on Tuesday in its 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. Ter Stegen was on the losing end of the result, but his highlight-reel efforts during the second leg of the semifinal series helped Barcelona advance past its German opponent into the final of European soccer’s elite competition.
Ter Stegen already had made a few fine saves, including one jaw-dropper on Bastian Schweinsteiger’s header, when he took his show to a higher level in the 41st minute. Ter Stegen first denied Robert Lewandowski’s effort before he reacted instantly, scrambled back toward his goal and swept the ball off the line before it counted.
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Ter Stegen’s save probably didn’t block Bayern Munich’s path to the final, as Barcelona was enjoying a comfortable 5-1 lead in the aggregate score at the time. However, Ter Stegen turned heads and justified head coach Luis Enrique’s reliance on him (instead of co-starter and rival Claudio Bravo) in Champions League games.
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Ter Stegen also might have enhanced his profile in his native Germany, where Neuer rightfully enjoys mythical status, with his steller showing.
Neuer probably won’t relinquish his titles as the “world’s best goalkeeper” or starter on Germany’s national team any time soon. But ter Stegen could one day make that happen, too, if he continues to perform this well in the biggest games.
Ter Stegen scores comical own goal (video) >>
Photo via Twitter/@BBCSport
