Manuel Neuer error gifts Robin Fellhauer Bundesliga’s fastest-ever goal

Bayern Munich conceded after just eight seconds against Augsburg on Saturday after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, allowing Robin Fellhauer to score the quickest goal in Bundesliga history.

The incident came immediately after kick-off. Luis Diaz played the ball back to Neuer, but it moved away from the goalkeeper’s foot. Neuer then attempted to pass out from the back, only for Fellhauer to intercept.

The Augsburg forward was left with an unguarded goal and calmly finished to give the hosts an early lead.

Fellhauer breaks 63-year record

According to Opta, Fellhauer’s goal ended a record that had stood for 63 years of Bundesliga history. The previous mark was nine seconds, jointly held by Kevin Volland and Karim Bellarabi.

Volland scored his nine-second goal for Hoffenheim against Bayern Munich on 22 August 2015, meaning Neuer was also in goal when that record was set. Bellarabi reached the same time while playing for Bayer Leverkusen against Borussia Dortmund on 23 August 2014.

The record-breaking goal was also highlighted by Sky Sport, which described it on social media as the earliest goal in the Bundesliga’s 63-year history and said Fellhauer had benefited from a major error by Neuer.

Bayern chasing top spot

Bayern Munich went into the match aiming to move above Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga.

Dortmund had been held to a 2-2 draw by Werder Bremen on Friday, leaving them with 13 points. Bayern were three points behind before the visit to Augsburg, although they had the advantage on goal difference.

That meant Bayern could take first place with victory, while Augsburg’s early strike immediately put pressure on the visitors.

Fellhauer’s finish was the first goal of the match and came before Bayern had been able to establish possession or settle into the contest. For Neuer, the mistake produced the unwanted distinction of being involved in both the former and current records for the fastest goal in Bundesliga history.