Vincent Kompany sends warning to Real Madrid despite Bayern Munich advantage: ‘We have every right to dream’

Vincent Kompany sends warning to Real Madrid despite Bayern Munich advantage: ‘We have every right to dream’

Vincent Kompany struck a calm yet confident tone after Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

The result gives Bayern a valuable edge heading into the return leg at the Allianz Arena, but Kompany made it clear that the job is far from done.

Speaking immediately after the match, the Belgian manager emphasised the importance of staying focused rather than getting carried away.

“It’s a good result, we’re halfway through the tie. We have to recover and stay focused,” he began.

There has already been talk about whether Bayern have been handed an easier path following the first-leg result, but Kompany dismissed any such notion.

Instead, he highlighted the importance of the win while acknowledging the threat Real Madrid still pose.

“We’re happy with the result; it’s a win, and any win here is important. We can build on that… and we’ll be playing at home.

“It’s only natural that they create chances; they’re very dangerous, but so are we. We have every right to dream that we can win again.”

Praise for Manuel Neuer

One of the standout performers on the night was Manuel Neuer, whose stunning saves, particularly a point-blank stop to deny Kylian Mbappe, earned him the Man of the Match award.

Manuel Neuer was the Man of the Match against Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Naturally, the conversation quickly turned to where Neuer ranks among the all-time greats.

Kompany, however, chose his words carefully, even bringing Thibaut Courtois into the discussion with a light-hearted remark.

“We might get into trouble with Courtois (laughs), who I also like a lot. He’s one of the chosen few.

“He’s been doing it for ages and his performances remain outstanding. I see him every day and he continues to impress us.”

The debate had already been fuelled by comments from Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, who labelled Neuer as the best. Kompany, though, kept the focus on performance rather than titles.

“If he was, that’s no problem; you need to perform above and beyond in this sort of match. We could have scored more goals, too.”

Real Madrid are masters of comebacks

Despite Bayern’s advantage, Kompany is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

This is because Real Madrid’s reputation in the Champions League, particularly their history of dramatic comebacks, looms large over the tie.

“I think we’ve shown a great deal of respect for Madrid. We fully appreciate what a team they are.

“But we’re Bayern, and we know what it means to play at the Allianz Arena.

“If we’re up against the best team in the competition, beating them is a challenge in itself,” he concluded.

Source: AS