Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer believes his side were “lucky” not to concede to Robert Lewandowski on his return to Bavaria.
The Poland international has been in sensational form since joining Barcelona, scoring a hat-trick on his Champions League debut for the Blaugrana against Viktoria Plzen last week, but he was unable to add to his tally at the Allianz Arena.
Lewandowski was thwarted by former team-mate Neuer from a close-range header after he had squandered an opportunity on the volley, blazing his attempt over the crossbar.
Both chances could have easily been taken by Lewandowski, and Neuer admitted that Bayern had benefitted from good fortune in their 2-0 victory.
“I think it was an emotional game for Lewy because he was very successful here in Munich. But we also know him as an opponent. Luck was not on his side in crucial moments,” he told reporters.
“We’re lucky that he sent that volley over the bar and I was there in the second chance. We showed a good defensive performance today.”