Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich has apologised after his blunder allowed Karim Benzema to score Real Madrid‘s decisive goal in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.
A short back-pass from midfielder Corentin Tolisso left the Bayern gloveman in a state of flux, and after hesitating about whether to pick the ball up or boot it upfield, Benzema had already capitalised on the mishap to fire home his second of the match.
The goal left the Bavarians 4-2 down on aggregate, taking the game beyond reach, and despite drawing a goal back courtesy of James Rodriguez, Los Blancos held firm and booked their ticket for the final later this month.
Ulreich has been Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper this season after Manuel Neuer suffered a season-ending injury at the start of the campaign.
The 29-year-old took to social media to apologise for his error, with many of his teammates offering their support as a result.
“Words cannot describe how disappointed I am about leaving the Champions League,” he wrote.
“We really wanted to reach the final and we did our best and then this unnecessary mistake happened to me.
“I cannot explain it. I’m sorry… for my team and for you fans.”
The result means Die Roten have failed to reach a Champions League final since their triumph in the 2012/13 season when they beat Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley.
Gerrard offers sympathy
Steven Gerrard suffered a similar fate during his Liverpool side’s pursuit of the Premier League title in the 2013/14 season, as his famous slip cost the Reds vital points against Chelsea.
As a result, Manchester City went on to lift the title, so the former England international understands the impact a mistake can have on the team, and he offered his sympathy for the ‘keeper after the match.
“I’ve been there when you lose your footing at a vital moment, it’s a cruel way to lose a football match,” he told BT Sport in the post-match analysis.
“Neuer hammers that 70, 80 yards down field.”
