"It was a great team performance," said a delighted Dino Toppmöller after FC Bayern's commanding 4-0 victory over Benfica in Europe's elite club competition. That of course applied not only to the players but to everyone involved from an FCB perspective. Together with Xaver Zembrod, the 40-year-old Toppmöller stood in for Julian Nagelsmann, who fell ill on the evening before the game.
Captain Manuel Neuer was also satisfied after his 100th game for Bayern in the Champions League: "The second half was outstanding." All four goals in the Estádio da Luz came after the half-time interval. fcbayern.com has compiled the post-match reaction.
Reaction to Benfica vs. Bayern
Dino Toppmöller: "It was a great team performance, without singling anyone out. We started well in the first half and had some chances. But we also have to recognise that we played Benfica, who you don't beat just by turning up. In the second half, we did well with a better structure. The second goal opened the floodgates. All in all, it was a deserved victory."
Manuel Neuer: "The second half was outstanding. Against Leverkusen we made a good start and hardly allowed them any chances. Today we also kept our opponents at bay. We were in control but didn't make the breakthrough, also because of their excellent goalkeeper. It was a great atmosphere today, because the fans were back again. The atmosphere was sensational and it was a great evening for us."
Kingsley Coman: "Benfica are a very good team. They played well, but after the second goal we created lots of chances and scored more goals. It felt very good. I'm very happy I'm playing again after the heart problems."
Leroy Sané: "We played very well. The first half was also good. Attacking-wise we could have maybe finished a bit better and gone for one more goal. I'm very happy with the performance today. The coaches prepared us very well. We knew that Benfica would be aggressive. We had to play our game and be patient, and we were today, despite the two disallowed goals. We didn't stop and kept going."
Reaction from the Lisbon camp
Jorge Jesus (Benfica coach): "Bayern are a very powerful team. For 70 minutes it didn't look like we were going to lose 4-0. They put us under a lot of pressure. Until their opener it was an open game. We did everything, but in the end we lost."
Julian Weigl: "We had big plans for the 90 minutes. We showed that on a magical evening here at home, we have the chance to get something against Bayern. Of course, they bring immense quality to the game and you have to be alert every minute. In the end, we lacked a bit of strength. Still, there were moments in the game when it could have tipped our way."
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