The task was difficult as expected, but FC Bayern lived up to the expectations. They won 2-1 away to Sevilla after going one down, sealing a good position for the quarter-final return leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday. fcbayern.com has compiled the statements.
Reaction to Sevilla v Bayern
Jupp Heynckes: "Sevilla were better in the first half, they showed they haven't made it to the Champions League last eight for no reason. We lost possession too often when attacking, we weren't well-structured in midfield, so Sevilla had chances. Of course I had some strong words about it at half-time and made the team improve their defensive discipline, impose their passing game, improve their positional play, keep possession when attacking and take up their positions in time when swichting to defence. But in the second half we were clearly in control and deservedly won the match."
Thomas Müller: "It was a match with many different aspects. We saw many good things but also things we don't like to see. We got off to a good start, our build-up play was good in the first ten minutes, we didn't let the atmosphere intimidate us. But at some point we made too many mistakes. We gave away possession, allowing them chances. We played too many square passes. We upped the ante in the second half and strangled our opponents, things were looking better then. A 2-1 away victory is always a great result. It takes something to beat us on our home field."
Franck Ribéry: "We got off to a good start in the first ten minutes, but our organisation was poor after that, we didn't attack well. The coach addressed that at half-time. The second half was really good. It's crucial we won away to Sevilla, they played very well, but our reaction after the opener was good. We have to build on that. We mustn't make any mistakes in the Champions League, we mustn't think we're already through to the semi-finals."
Mats Hummels: "Our start was good, we stifled Sevilla's impetus. Then Sevilla were the better team. We allowed too many counters, Sevilla deservedly took the lead. We completely controlled the match in the second half."
Jérôme Boateng: "We got off to a very good start, then we made one or two slight mistakes. The crowd woke up because of that, we had problems and allowed them chances. We wanted to keep our cool, play our normal game, set up sustained passing combinations, let the ball do the work and switch play. We controlled the match, created chances and deservedly won at the end of the day. But nothing's settled. I hope we can up the ante in the return leg and go through."
Vincenzo Montella (Sevilla coach): "I'm very proud of my team's performance against opponents playing at this level. Our defensive discipline was very good over the full 90 minutes. We should have scored a few more goals. We had no energy left to create chances in the second half. We'll believe in going through as long as there's a slight chance. Yes, it's almost impossible, but it isn't over yet."
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