'I was already celebrating' – Guimaraes hails Neuer heroics in Bayern-Arsenal 2-2 draw

Bayern and Arsenal share the spoils in Allianz Arena thriller

Bayern Munich and Arsenal played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday in what has been described as the toughest test either side has faced so far this season.

Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes shields the ball from Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for the Gunners after just 15 minutes, before Alphonso Davies levelled for the hosts ten minutes later, latching onto an exquisite ball from Harry Kane. Kane put Bayern in front in the second half, only for fellow Englishman Declan Rice to restore parity and ensure the points were shared after an entertaining evening of Champions League football.

Guimaraes left in awe of Neuer

Both sides created chances throughout, with Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes seeing a second-half header superbly kept out by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Brazilian was left shaking his head at the stop.

"When I had the ball, I was already celebrating because I thought it was in. And he made an unbelievable save," Guimaraes told BBC Radio 5 Live after the match. "For me, he's one of the best keepers in the world, and he's a legend in the game. And when I finished the game, I came to him and said, 'How did you save this?' And he said, 'I don't know as well.'"

A landmark night for the Bayern captain

Neuer, who declared himself fit for the Arsenal clash following a foot injury, was making his 163rd Champions League appearance — a milestone that drew him level with Thomas Müller and Lionel Messi (reported 21 October). The 40-year-old, however, has insisted the game itself is all that matters.

It has been a frustrating campaign personally for the veteran, who has made just four Bundesliga appearances this season and missed Bayern's 6-1 rout of RB Leipzig over the weekend.

For Guimaraes, the evening capped an eventful start to life in north London. The midfielder completed a £75 million switch from Newcastle United in September (reported 24 September), citing a desire for "a new challenge" after almost five years on Tyneside.

Attention turns to Freiburg

Bayern now turn their attention to Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Freiburg, a side they leapfrogged at the top of the standings last weekend. The Bavarians will be eager to seize control of the title race after a compelling midweek spectacle.