Jupp Heynckes was left ruing Bayern Munich’s failure to take their chances after a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
A string of saves from Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller denied Bayern a winner in Saturday’s clash.
The hosts took the lead through Toni Kroos, but were soon pegged back by a dramatic Mario Goetze equaliser moments later as the champions sealed a draw.
“It was an intense contest between two teams playing modern football, with very smart tactics and good transitions from defence to attack,” Heynckes said after the match.
“We started very well and dominated the first 20 minutes, but we rather lost control of the game after that. After the break, we needed 15 minutes to recover our rhythm.”
Heynckes believes Dortmund have Weidenfeller to thank for their point against his side.
“We had the more clear-cut chances at the end, but Weidenfeller made some superb saves. I’m very satisfied with my team, especially after the extremely tough game in Freiburg on Wednesday,” he said.
Kroos, meanwhile, was disappointed with the draw as he is eager to avoid a repeat of last season’s collapse which saw Dortmund claim the title against all odds.
“We have to live with the result, and we will. My goal was certainly important, but I’d have gladly exchanged it for a win,” Kroos said.
“It was evenly-matched for a long time, but it was much more open at the end with the advantage to us.
“It just wasn’t quite enough. We need to concentrate and stay focused, because we were also significantly ahead last season – and we can’t have a repeat of what happened then.”
Bayern haven’t beaten their rivals since February 2010 and had endured a five-game losing streak in the fixture.
Despite having their league advantage reduced by two points this weekend, Bayern maintain an eight-point lead over chasing Bayer Leverkusen with Dortmund a further three points behind.
“That is more important than beating them twice in the season,” Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm said of the points advantage.
“Of course we wanted to win and we showed the willingness to do so. When it was 1-1 we pressed a lot and wanted the win. We wanted the deciding goal and had two opportunities to score.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.