Lahm joy after Bayern victory

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm was thrilled after his team secured a vital advantage in their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

A late Mario Gomez goal secured a 2-1 win for the home side over Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena, and Lahm was quick to congratulate the team after the first-leg clash.

“We know we can create chances, but the defensive work tonight was also important,” the 28-year-old told Sat1.

“We go into the second leg knowing that Madrid have to attack us. We can play defensively there, but that’s not what we are good at.

“We have to go to Madrid and give everything.”

The full-back also commented on Marcelo’s yellow card after the Brazilian’s late tackle on Thomas Mueller deep into injury time.

“Marcelo’s tackle was a red card, especially when you compare it to the challenge I made when I was booked,” he said.

Although the victory has raised hopes in Germany, Manuel Neuer still believes they need to keep their heads ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 25.

“We know that we aren’t through to the final yet. We have to work hard and go into the next game with the right attitude,” he said.

The winner will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the final.