Kompany warns despite Bayern win, Arbeloa raves about Neuer | OneFootball

FC Bayern made a statement at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu and secured an excellent starting position in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win. But despite the success, the message from both coaches at the final whistle was clear: this clash is far from over

Manuel Neuer was once again the focal point of the evening. The 40-year-old delivered an outstanding performance and kept Munich in the game with several world-class saves – much to the credit of both coaches

Kompany remains deliberately calm despite victory

Vincent Kompany was satisfied after the game, but by no means euphoric. The mood in the dressing room was appropriately controlled: „Everyone in the dressing room is still very, very calm. We won, but of course we have to win again to progress.“

The Belgian nevertheless classified the success at the Bernabéu as significant: „Winning at the Bernabéu is worth something. If you can do that, it shows that you can do a lot.“

Kompany also described the match as extremely even: „You had the feeling that the game was always on a knife-edge. It could tip one way or the other.“

His impression: Bayern had the better chances. „In terms of feeling, we had more and better chances. But two goals is good and we’ll take that with us.“

Neuer as the decisive factor

photo: IMAGO

Kompany was particularly clear in his assessment of his captain: „Manuel made some incredible saves,“ he explained, adding with a wink: „40 is still young.“

For the Bayern coach, it is clear how crucial such performances are at this level: „There is no success at this level without these moments from a goalkeeper.“

Neuer embodied precisely these moments – and thus became the key player of the evening

Real coach Álvaro Arbeloa also had no choice but to highlight the Bayern keeper’s performance: „I think Neuer had an exceptional game today,“ said the Spaniard

Despite the defeat, he was not beaten: „We’re still alive. It won’t be easy, but we can win in Munich.“

At the same time, Arbeloa conceded that his team missed chances: „We missed a few opportunities to score more goals.“

„Bayern perhaps the best team in Europe“

Arbeloa’s assessment of the strength of the opposition was particularly noteworthy: „Bayern are perhaps the best team in Europe this season,“ he said

Nevertheless, he was positive about his team’s performance: „I saw a good game from my team. I’m happy with the effort, but we need a bit more in Munich.“

The starting position is therefore clear: Bayern travel to the second leg with a narrow lead, but Real remain a real threat

The 2:1 victory in the Bernabéu is a strong signal – but nothing more. Or as Kompany aptly put it: „The first step has been taken. Now the second must follow.