Kompany Urges Caution After Bayern's First-Leg Advantage Over Real Madrid
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has urged caution after his side secured a 2-1 first-leg advantage over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, warning that the tie is far from over. The Belgian coach, whose team came from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, emphasised that the job was only half-done ahead of next week's return leg in Munich.
Kompany, speaking to reporters after the dramatic victory, was quick to temper expectations. "Everyone in the dressing room is very, very calm. We have won, but we have to win again to qualify," he said, according to reports. He stressed the difficulty of the task remaining, stating, "Winning at the Bernabéu is something special. If you manage to do it, it shows you are capable of great things. But this tie is not over."
The former Manchester City captain acknowledged the fine margins of the match, which saw Bayern fight back after going a goal down. "We felt the match was always on a knife-edge. It could have gone either way. We felt we had more and better chances. Scoring two goals here is good, and we'll take that," Kompany added, reflecting on a victory that gives his team a slender but precious advantage heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena.
When asked about a potential semi-final opponent, with Bayern set to face the winner between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Kompany dismissed the idea of tailoring his team's approach. "This team has earned the right and the freedom to play this way. They play so well that I am not going to change the approach depending on the opponent. We played the same way against PSG and today against Real Madrid," he stated, underlining the tactical consistency he has instilled since taking charge.
The first-leg win marks a significant step for Kompany’s project at Bayern, as the young manager continues to implement his philosophy at one of Europe's most demanding clubs. The victory at the Bernabéu, a stadium where European giants have often faltered, will be a significant boost to the team's confidence. However, Kompany’s immediate post-match comments were solely focused on the monumental task of finishing the job at the Allianz Arena, where his side must avoid defeat to progress to the final four.
