Champions League 2016-17 quarterfinals: Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid / Borussia Dortmund 2-3 AS Monaco
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund came favorites as the start of the first leg of the quarterfinals. Bayern outrageously dominates the Bundesliga and Borussia Dortmund had been undefeated for a long time at home in the Champions League. Both clubs fell short and will be now under pressure next week in the return leg to advance.
After the bombing, it was very hard for Dortmund and Monaco to resume football activities in the best conditions but we had a great match of football.
Coach BVB Tuchel comments:
“I thought the second half was very good, the first half not so much. But you also have to admit the match never really went our way today. The first goal was scored from an offside position. For their second, Sven was practically forced into the own goal. The third goal we conceded was our own fault. So it’s virtually two own goals and one offside goal. Things just didn’t go so well for us. After the break we wanted to try to get in behind them more and create a lot of pressure through Pulisic down the right. We knew that we would get chances and that the gaps would get bigger. Unfortunately, the game never really went our way.
We’re facing a big challenge in the return leg. We will continue to believe and try everything. It required a lot of bravery and courage, and we showed that tonight.”
Coach Bayern Munich Ancelotti on the loss:
“The small details were decisive today. We missed the penalty, we conceded the equalizer early in the second half. The sending-off changed the match completely. We controlled it in the first half but didn’t make the most of our chances. Going a man down didn’t make it easier to say the least, but we still did quite a good job. We now have six days until the second leg. We still have 90 minutes, and we’ll give it everything. We’re still alive as they say in Italy.”
Forward Thomas Müller:
“There were many different periods in the match. We had good chances to make it two, especially from the spot. At that point Real hadn’t had a presentable chance. We were careless once in the second half, our opponents beat us to the ball, and the cross lead to the goal. Then there was the red card and the tide turned. Ultimately we’re glad the scoreline was only 2-1. We still have every chance in Madrid, we’re confident enough. We have the quality and passion to win in Madrid.”
