Ter Stegen and Neuer: Intimate enemies

Manuel Neuer vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be one of the most intriguing battles of the Champions League's quarter-finals as Bayern Munich and Barcelona meet.

The pair of German goalkeepers have developed something of a distant rivalry over the last few seasons, with Neuer holding onto his No.1 spot for the national team despite the Barcelona 'keeper's impressive form.

Ter Stegen isn't happy about his role as second choice for Germany, and he'll be wanting to prove his superiority against Neuer's Bayern and help the Catalans into the semi-finals.

"They're two very similar goalkeepers in the way they play," Salvador Sadurni, former goalkeeper, told MARCA.

"Neuer isn't as spectacular as Ter Stegen.

"But the Bayern goalkeeper doesn't care as much about making things beautiful, he just tries to ensure that the ball doesn't go in."

Ter Stegen doesn't usually raise his voice away from the pitch, but in recent years he hasn't exactly bitten his tongue when asking to be his country's No.1, while Neuer hasn't kept his thoughts to himself either.

Exchanging words

Ter Stegen was of the belief that he should have been starting for Germany when he played at the Confederations Cup in Neuer's absence through injury.

The Barcelona shot-stopper believed that he'd continue between the posts for the 2018 World Cup, but Neuer's return saw him reclaim his place.

"I'm the best," the Bayern 'keeper said.

"What coach wouldn't put his best players on the pitch?

"I have no doubts that I'm the best, even if I'm not 17 anymore."

Ter Stegen, then, had to accept his role as backup, but it didn't stop him from sharing his own thoughts.

"It was disappointing for me," Barcelona's No.1 said, "because I spent the whole season trying to show my level.

"Anyway, I accept and respect the decision.

"I'll support the team and Neuer. He's had a difficult few months and just by being here he deserves all my respect."

That reluctant respect wasn't as visible in 2019 though.

"Not playing has been a difficult blow and it's not easy to find an explanation," he went on.

"I give my best in each game to make the decision more difficult and I try to get my place in goal.

"Neuer has done well but it's a hard blow for me."

An interesting background

All of this only adds to the tension surrounding their Champions League meeting this week and their coming together will mean more to them than what's immediately on offer.

Ter Stegen, 28, is going in search of his 14th title while Neuer, 34, is looking for his 12th.