Hitzfeld and del Bosque agree Bayern's defence decisive

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld praised his side for a rock solid defensive display which helped them to a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal at the Bernabeu Stadium. But he warned that the reigning European champions will still be a danger in the return match next Wednesday as they bid to recover from the surprise defeat.

"Our defence was the basis of this win because we knew Real had the better players and the better system," Hitzfeld said after Elber's priceless strike on 55 minutes had given his side victory.

"We were superb in defence, very compact. A 1-0 defeat may seem unfair for Real given all their opportunities but our goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and the defence, especially Patrik Andersson, were outstanding."

"The match is still very evenly balanced, though, as Real are well capable of winning away from home." Hitzfeld conceded that Real had dominated the first half but thought his side were worth their goal in the second.

"It's logical that Real should dominate," he said. "We did have a few chances, though, and in the second we had more as Real played a high-risk strategy. That's how we managed to score."

Real coach Vicente del Bosque was also impressed with the Bayern defence. "We took the initiative from the start but you have to recognise they were excellent in defence," del Bosque said. "Without attacking much, or even having the ball, they managed to resolve the game."

"We tried everything against them -- long balls, short passes, attacking down the wings, one-on-ones -- but we just couldn't overcome their efficiency. We put in a tremendous effort, though, and we're really looking forward to the second leg. We won't give up until the very end of the tie."