Football

Superb Neuer denies Bremen as Bayern Munich held at home

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer takes part in a training session on the eve of the UEFA Nations League football match Germany v Switzerland at the Rheinenergie stadium in Cologne, Western Germany, on October 12, 2020. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)

Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer takes part in a training session on the eve of the UEFA Nations League football match Germany v Switzerland at the Rheinenergie stadium in Cologne, Western Germany, on October 12, 2020. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)

European champions Bayern Munich remained top of the Bundesliga despite being held on Saturday to a 1-1 draw at home by Werder Bremen, who were only denied a shock win by a string of excellent saves from Manuel Neuer.

Germany goalkeeper Neuer produced great stops to twice deny US forward Josh Sargent as Bremen earned their first point at Bayern for a decade.

Bremen took a deserved lead when midfielder Maximilian Eggestein finished off a superb attack just before half-time.

Bayern drew level in the 62nd minute at the Allianz Arena when Kingsley Coman met Leon Goretzka’s cross at the far post.

With time almost up, Neuer again denied Sargent, who had broken clear of the defence, as Bayern held on for a draw.

Hansi Flick’s men sit one point clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table, although RB Leipzig can draw level on points with the defending champions if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt later on Saturday.

Tom Kirkwood