German record champions Bayern München took a small step towards their ultimate aim of reaching the Champions League final in Milan on the 28th May. In the first leg of their quarterfinal tie against Benfica, they triumphed 1-0 in front of their home fans at the Allianz Arena. As the scoreline suggests, the match was a close encounter and Manuel Neuer was called upon numerous times to make important saves. The 30-year-old spoke to DFB.de about the clean sheet, and the second leg on Wednesday (20:45 CEST).
Question: Mr. Neuer, you achieved your aim of keeping a clean sheet. Are you pleased overall?
Manuel Neuer: Yes, certainly. The clean sheet was crucial.
Question: Despite the fact that it could have gone either way following Vidal’s early goal?
Neuer: Benfica set up well to defend against us, they knew we would come down the wings and their back four shifted across very well. We didn’t have that many chances, not until the end. We couldn’t get that second goal, but I think we can still be pleased with the result - 1-0 gives us an advantage.
Question: What sort of game are you expecting in the second leg?
Neuer: It certainly won’t be easy. Our aim is to win - they didn’t give us much here and they won’t in Lisbon either. We will prepare well and try to better make use of our chances when we get them.
Question: Benfica striker Jonas will miss out through suspension - an advantage for Bayern?
Neuer: Raúl Jiménez did well when he came on this time, and so in that sense we definitely won’t underestimate any of their players. In any case, we know what to expect - it could have been 1-1 last night.
Question: Your prediction for next Wednesday?
Neuer: It will be a tight match, but we are determined to book our place in the semi-finals. That’s our main aim.
created by mmc/wh
German record champions Bayern München took a small step towards their ultimate aim of reaching the Champions League final in Milan on the 28th May. In the first leg of their quarterfinal tie against Benfica, they triumphed 1-0 in front of their home fans at the Allianz Arena. As the scoreline suggests, the match was a close encounter and Manuel Neuer was called upon numerous times to make important saves. The 30-year-old spoke to DFB.de about the clean sheet, and the second leg on Wednesday (20:45 CEST).
Question: Mr. Neuer, you achieved your aim of keeping a clean sheet. Are you pleased overall?
Manuel Neuer: Yes, certainly. The clean sheet was crucial.
Question: Despite the fact that it could have gone either way following Vidal’s early goal?
Neuer: Benfica set up well to defend against us, they knew we would come down the wings and their back four shifted across very well. We didn’t have that many chances, not until the end. We couldn’t get that second goal, but I think we can still be pleased with the result - 1-0 gives us an advantage.
Question: What sort of game are you expecting in the second leg?
Neuer: It certainly won’t be easy. Our aim is to win - they didn’t give us much here and they won’t in Lisbon either. We will prepare well and try to better make use of our chances when we get them.
Question: Benfica striker Jonas will miss out through suspension - an advantage for Bayern?
Neuer: Raúl Jiménez did well when he came on this time, and so in that sense we definitely won’t underestimate any of their players. In any case, we know what to expect - it could have been 1-1 last night.
Question: Your prediction for next Wednesday?
Neuer: It will be a tight match, but we are determined to book our place in the semi-finals. That’s our main aim.
