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Yesterday β€” 8 April 2026Main stream

Kompany: 'Bayern won at the Bernabeu, that's worth something'

Bayern Munich players celebrate their side's firat goal during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu. Peter Kneffel/dpa
Bayern Munich players celebrate their side's firat goal during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu. Peter Kneffel/dpa

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany stressed that the 2-1 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu shouldn't be taken for granted, even though his team is not yet qualified for the Champions League semi-finals.

"We still need to win again to progress. But I want our boys to know that they've won at the Bernabeu. That's worth something, we have to take that with us. It shows we can achieve a lot," Kompany said after the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday evening.

Luis Diaz and Harry Kane gave Bayern a 2-0 lead, but Kylian Mbappe pulled one back for Madrid.

"You always had the feeling the match was in the balance and could swing one way or the other. I felt that we had more and better chances," Kompany said.

Baord member for sport Max Eberl recalled that "not that many teams" can beat Madrid on their home ground.

"We demonstrated what we’ve worked on throughout the season – we were brave, active and defended on the front foot. We have to be just as alert and brave in possession in the second leg," he said.

Kompany also praised goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had a stunning performance and made several big saves to secure Bayern the win.

"We needed some strong spells of defending and Manu also made some unbelievable saves," he said of the team captain, who was named "Man of the Match."

Defender Jonathan Tah said about Neuer: "Are you surprised? We're grateful to him every match. He has a special aura, also with the saves he repeatedly makes. You shouldn't take it for granted, but it's normal for him."

Neuer's future still open

Neuer left the Bernabeu on Tuesday as a hero, but things were much different in May 2024, when a costly mistake at the same stadium sealed Bayern's semi-final exit.

"It was an important day, a important game for me," he said.

Neuer's contract with Bayern expire in June and the goalkeeper planned take time during February and March to think about his future. However, two calf injuries changed his plans as he had to focus on recovery.

"Many factors play a role, including my health," Neuer explained.

He's now waiting to see how the next few games will go to assess where he stands.

"We have all the time in the world, the club and I. We're relaxed about it," said Neuer, who turned 40 last month.

Eberl, meanwhile, hinted that Bayern are willing to give Neuer a new contract.

"He doesn't need to make a big case for himself anymore. He just needs to stay healthy. And then we'll sit down and talk," he said.

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