A bitter evening for FC Bayern in the Champions League. The disappointment of Bayern's head coach and players was tangible following defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final return leg. Despite a strong fighting performance and a lead, the Reds had to concede a 2-1 defeat and will miss the competition's final following the 2-2 draw in the first leg. "Everyone who plays football knows how this feels," said Manuel Neuer fighting for composure. Head coach Thomas Tuchel was also visibly disappointed: "We'll need a while to digest this. We left everything on the pitch today. Its extremely bitter." fcbayern.com has more of the post-match reaction.
Reaction to Real Madrid v Bayern
Max Eberl: "We're all very disappointed. It was a complicated game but we proved resilient. Manuel Neuer kept us alive with outstanding saves. We had our moments and eventually scored the goal. The way we conceded the two goals is obviously bitter for us. The last scene was extremely aggravating because the rule is clear. Following a complicated season, we came very close to qualifying for the Champions League final. It's really bitter. Our team played a very good Champions League season."
Thomas Tuchel: "We'll need a while to digest this. We left everything on the pitch today. It's extremely bitter but we have no regrets. Manuel made a mistake he usually wouldn't make in a 100 years. The lads are all very disappointed. We were nearly through already. It was a great fight."
Manuel Neuer: "Everyone who plays football knows how this feels. To go out like this when you're leading so close to the end is extremely bitter. We had one foot in London and could picture ourselves in the final already. I'm at a loss for words."
Thomas Müller: "When you're up a goal up you feel good. Obviously, we did allow some chances but Manu and our defenders were there for us. Our defensive block was good even if we should have kept Real further away from our goal. Usually, it's mistakes that decide games. We're very disappointed, it's a real blow. We left everything on the pitch and invested so much. It's tough."
Matthijs de Ligt: "We showed a very decent performance throughout the 90 minutes. We were very compact and defended well. We had some opportunities to score but that's what was lacking from our game today. We played against Real Madrid and they're really good, but it's a great shame to give the game away like this."
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid head coach): "The stadium was behind us, it was magical. We played very well. It was a difficult game but we created chances. We didn't lose our composure. I thank the fans, the club and particularly the players. To make it to the final is a great success."
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid): "The path to this final was brutal. In the round of 16 against Leipzig, then Manchester City, and now Bayern. It was always close but we prevailed. We deserve to be in this final. We were clearly the better team today. In the first leg it was fairly balanced with minor advantages for Bayern."
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid): "That's Real Madrid. We always believe in ourselves. It's simply magical to play for this team and at this stadium so often. This is only another example that we can win games because we believe in ourselves. We know we can make a difference no matter what happens."
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): "It's a dream come true. If someone had predicted this going into the season I might not have believed it. I'm still quite shocked and emotional. I'll have to give it a night's sleep to digest all of this. Our bench is definitely one of our great qualities. If we trail, we can always add something on top. That's important. I can't believe I'll be playing against Dortmund in England now."
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