Shakhtar were tough opponents, says Manuel Neuer

The Bayern Munich keeper admitted that Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Ukraine was a difficult one, but insists that the Germans remain in a strong position in the tie.

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Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says Shakhtar Donetsk made life hard for the Bundesliga champions in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but is optimistic about their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

Pep Guardiola’s men struggled to create any chances of note in the away game and eventually had to settle for a 0-0 draw after they were reduced to 10 men following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal in the 65th minute.

“It was not easy for us. We created a few chances in the first half and did a good job in defence”, the German international said.

“We did not give them anything, apart from one chance from a free-kick. But we missed scoring to have a better chance in the return leg in Munich.

“I thought we had a few chances before the break, but it was much harder in the second half as we had to play the game and finish with 10 men.

“But we will create chances in Munich, so I am optimistic about our chances of reaching the next round.”

The second leg at the Allianz Arena is scheduled to take place on March 11.

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