FC Bayern and Ajax shared the spoils in a thrilling 3-3 draw in the last Champions League group match. The result means the German record champions finish first in Group E, two points clear of the Dutchmen. "We saw a sensationally good match today, and the spectators were treated to a great game," said Bayern coach Niko Kovac after a "hard-fought and passionate match," according to captain Manuel Neuer.
Reaction to Ajax v Bayern
Hasan Salihamidzic: "Ajax did a really good job, they put us under pressure the whole time. We weren't able to let the ball do the work and could only shake off our opponents very, very rarely. We had two, three chances in the first 20 minutes but didn't take them. Then we completely handed over control. We didn't manage to cross the halfway line, we mustn't let that happen. It's positive we levelled the scores and made it 3-2, but we squandered it again, we failed to reward ourselves. It was incredible for the spectators, but we can do better."
Niko Kovac: "We saw a sensationally good match today, the spectators were treated to a great game. We were 2-1 down but bounced back. It was advertising for football. We had the better chances and should have closed it out. But we've hit our target and sealed the group win. A compliment to the team. We did a good job at transitions and let our opponents run up so they couldn't stage counters. We drew twice against Ajax, a strong team. We've won everything else, we've taken 14 out of 18 points. I'm satisfied. We're waiting with bated breath for the next round."
Manuel Neuer: "Taken altogether it was a hard-fought and passionate match. Ajax are a good team, we saw that in the first match. We had our chances, especially in the first half, we should have scored a few more goals. It was very explosive towards the end. It was quite bitter to concede the last goal. The main thing is we've finished first, everything else is secondary at the moment."
Robert Lewandowski: "It was a very open match. Fortunately we sealed the group victory. Our positional play wasn't so good. It wasn't a great display, and we must continue to work hard. We didn't have a lot of possession. We created many chances and scored three goals, but we also conceded goals at the back. That happens. We can do better, we have higher potential. But we have to look at the bad things to improve."
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