Harry Kane exhorted Bayern Munich to replicate their impressive display in the return fixture of their Champions League last-eight clash next week, after securing a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Bayern will carry a narrow advantage back to their home ground, the Allianz Arena, after narrowly winning a thrilling opening leg of the quarter-final where Kane netted the crucial goal.
The English forward extended their advantage a mere 20 seconds after the restart, following Luis Diaz’s opener, and largely controlled the match. However, Real Madrid regrouped and reduced the deficit courtesy of Kylian Mbappe, ensuring the contest remains finely poised.
Despite the visiting team’s overall superiority for large portions of the encounter, Manuel Neuer’s significant input was indispensable, as he made an impressive nine stops to thwart the home side multiple times.
Kane communicated to TNT Sports: “Given all the anticipation surrounding this fixture, journeying to Madrid and striving for a positive outcome is invariably a challenging endeavor.
“We created several opportune moments, and commendably, so did they. We can genuinely feel pleased with this victory and carry this momentum into the coming week.
“We’ve experienced some truly positive periods as a team. We’re currently navigating the crucial phase of the season. As we continue to play and practice collectively, our collective bond intensifies.
“We consistently perceive ourselves as a threat, and are confident in our ability to find the net for sure.
“Our standing is favorable, and we must maintain our concentration. Presently, the focus is solely on recuperation, and next week will present the opportunity to emulate this performance.”
Arbeloa: Neuer Hailed as Most Valuable Player
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid’s interim manager, underscored Neuer’s hectic performance – which earned him the Player of the Match accolade – implying his team’s superior showing that evening, and affirmed that the contest remains wide open.
He communicated to TNT Sports: “In my opinion, [Manuel] Neuer was the Most Valuable Player.
“We generated numerous opportunities to net further goals, yet we failed to convert them. Nevertheless, we remain in contention, and we are optimistic about securing victory in Germany.
“We forfeited possession twice, and they capitalized with two goals. Thus, we cannot afford such turnovers, given the immense pace, agility, and caliber of their players.”