After an “intense” and “closely-fought” match, Bayern are “deservedly” through to the Champions League semi-finals, reflected Thomas Müller after the 2-2 away draw with Benfica in Lisbon. “We were just a shade better than a very good team,” commented Matthias Sammer. Captain Philipp Lahm said it was “unbelievable” that the Reds are in the semis for the fifth time in a row, “and once you’re among the last four teams in Europe, you obviously want more. We’re not done yet.”
Reaction to Benfica v Bayern
Matthias Sammer: “We were just a shade better than a very good team. More than anything else we kept our heads in tricky situations and kept on playing our football. We showed our winning mentality.”
Pep Guardiola: “I’m very happy. We’re where we were in each of the last two years, the semi-finals of the Champions League and DFB Cup. I hope we can take one step more this time. All credit to my players! We’ve shown great character. We created enough chances in the second half to have scored more goals.”
Philipp Lahm: “It was a sensational atmosphere and we really enjoyed it. but it was hard work. We were better at closing down the space between midfield and defence today, we kept it tight at the back and we were more precise than in the first game. We’re through to the semi-finals for the fifth time in a row - unbelievable! And once you’re among the last four teams in Europe, you obviously want more. We’re not done yet.”
Thomas Müller: “The stadium lived up to its reputation, the atmosphere was superb. The match was intense and very closely-fought at times. Benfica proved they can do what we've always insisted they could. They're very awkward. It was no walk in the park for the forwards. But overall we were the better team and we went through deservedly.”
Arturo Vidal: “It was a very tough match, but we've made it to the semi-finals. I do everything to help the team achieve our goals. I hope I can continue to score and help the team.”
Joshua Kimmich: “We didn't let them knock us out of our stride after the opener. In the second half we were in control and had several chances to make it three. We conceded the 2-2 equaliser after the free-kick, but otherwise things were pretty clear-cut. I'm pleased that I'm out on the pitch in the important games too.”
Topics of this article