Manuel Neuer on Bayern Munich's 0-0 draw in Liverpool: "We're not through yet!"
Manuel Neuer has hailed Bayern Munich's defensive performance in their goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield, but says the defending Bundesliga champions still have a lot of work to do if they're to finish the job on home soil and book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Bayern frustrated Liverpool for long periods on Tuesday night, becoming only the fourth team all season after Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli and Red Star Belgrade to keep a clean sheet against Jürgen Klopp's free-scoring side.
Neuer only had one real save to make - from Sadio Mane in the 85th minute - but was left a touch disappointed after Bayern missed out on scoring a sought-after away goal.
"It was definitely a good defensive performance from us," the Bayern goalkeeper and captain said after the game. "Our full-backs were more compact, which was key to keeping a clean sheet. However, that also meant we lacked a bit of our usual punch in attack, but we still had one or two first-half chances to open the scoring. We just needed to apply a bit more pressure.
"We set up not to concede and everyone did a fantastic job. It bodes well for us - but I'm a little disappointed we didn't score the away goal you always want in knockout games."
Bayern face Bundesliga assignments against Hertha Berlin, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Wolfsburg, before welcoming Liverpool to the Allianz Arena for the decisive second leg on 13 March.
They will be without suspended right-back Joshua Kimmich, who picked up a booking at Anfield, but boast a formidable record on their own patch in UEFA competition, with Real Madrid the only team to have won in Munich in the last two seasons.
And while Liverpool lost all three of their away games in the 2018/19 group stage, Neuer does not believe either side has the edge in the last-16 tie.
"I don't think anyone has an advantage," he explained. "We're strong at home, but Liverpool are also good away - although they did lose 1-0 at Napoli.
"Javi Martinez showed all his experience [in the first leg], and Rafinha can also come in and do a similar job at right-back [for Kimmich]. He's experienced and defensive-minded.
"The key for us in Munich is not to get caught out on the counter."
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