by sportswriter Zhao Jiantong

AUGSBURG, Germany, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen has described his side's Bundesliga victory over Bayern Munich as one of the highlights of his career, saying the result carried special weight given Bayern's dominant season.

Augsburg stunned Bayern 2-1 at the Allianz Arena on January 24, coming from behind through second-half goals from Arthur Chaves and Han-Noah Massengo after Hiroki Ito had given the hosts the lead. The defeat was Bayern's first in the Bundesliga this season.

"That was definitely one of the highlights," Dahmen told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. "I hope in the future we can beat Bayern again, but it was something special."

The result stood out even more against the backdrop of Bayern's commanding campaign. Vincent Kompany's side have already secured the Bundesliga title, sitting atop the table with 82 points from 26 wins, four draws and one defeat. They have also scored 113 league goals, breaking the club's previous single-season Bundesliga scoring record.

For Augsburg, the victory was a symbolic high point in a season that began with difficulties but has since stabilized. The Bavarian side are ninth in the Bundesliga standings with 37 points from 31 matches, having moved clear of the relegation battle before the final rounds of the campaign.

"We had a difficult start to the season, when the performances were not too good," Dahmen said. "But especially since around Christmas, I think we have done a really good job. We are very happy that we could secure our Bundesliga status three or four games before the end."

Dahmen said the players celebrated the win over Bayern together after the match.

"It was very special," he said. "We went out as a team with quite a few players and had a fun night."

The 28-year-old goalkeeper has also attracted attention beyond club football after being called up to the German national team. Dahmen said his first invitation to the national squad was an emotional moment for both himself and his family.

"It was a huge moment for me and made me very proud," he said. "It is the dream of every young German child. When you grow up, you want to play for the national team or at least be invited. That is why it is always a very big honor for me."

Dahmen is considered among the contenders for Germany's third goalkeeping spot at the 2026 World Cup, with German media pointing to a competition involving him and Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig behind Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel.

Germany has traditionally produced a long line of top goalkeepers, making the position one of the most competitive in the national setup. Dahmen acknowledged the challenge but said he hopes to keep pushing for further opportunities.

"Germany always has a lot of good goalkeepers," he said. "We will see how the manager decides. I just hope that I can go to the World Cup and represent Germany there."

Asked about the particular challenge of being a goalkeeper, Dahmen said the position requires patience because opportunities can be rarer than for outfield players.

"As a goalkeeper, it can be that you have to wait a long time to get a chance," he said. "It is very important that you have an aim in your head. You have to say: I want to be able to play at some point. That is why I have to prepare myself as well as possible, because you never know what will happen."

"Sometimes it is difficult, but I just have to keep going, train hard and be ready. And when you get your chance, you have to take it," he added.

Dahmen also shared his views on the development of young goalkeepers, including those from Asia who hope to play in European leagues. He said communication is one of the key demands of the position.

"As a goalkeeper, it is very important that you talk a lot to your defense," he said. "If you play in Germany, it is good if you have a goalkeeper who speaks German. At least you definitely need to speak good English, so you can command your defense."

For young goalkeepers, Dahmen said playing matches is more important than simply belonging to a bigger club.

"I think it is very important that you find your own style of play," he said. "You can watch a lot of goalkeepers and take different attributes from different players that fit you. But you should not just copy one player."

"At a young age, the most important thing is to play games. I would always prefer to play for a not-so-good team than sit on the bench for a better team," Dahmen said. "Believe in yourself, and even if you make a few mistakes, just keep going." ■