Neuer climbs to third in Champions League appearance standings

Manuel Neuer set a new German record for Champions League appearances after starting Bayern Munich’s meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, moving ahead of former team-mate Thomas Muller in the competition’s all-time rankings.

The Bayern goalkeeper made his 164th appearance in the tournament, according to statistics from Squawka. That took him beyond Muller’s total of 163 and made Neuer the most experienced German player in Champions League history.

Neuer’s latest milestone also lifted him into third place overall for appearances in the competition. He moved above both Lionel Messi and Muller, who are level on 163 matches.

Ronaldo and Casillas remain ahead

Only two players have featured more often in the Champions League than Neuer.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with 183 appearances, while former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is second on 177. Neuer is now five matches behind Casillas and 19 short of Ronaldo’s record.

The top five, according to Squawka, are:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 183 appearances 2. Iker Casillas – 177 appearances 3. Manuel Neuer – 164 appearances 4. Lionel Messi – 163 appearances 5. Thomas Muller – 163 appearances

Neuer reached the record during the fourth round of the league phase, adding another European landmark to his career with Bayern Munich.