Bayern Munich’s Xherdan Shaqiri does not believe Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund will impact on the UEFA Champions League final.
Mario Gomez had equalised Kevin Grosskreutz’s opener in the first half, but there was no lack of controversy at the Westfalenstadion as Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty and Bayern defender Rafinha was sent off amid scuffles on the touchline between Juergen Klopp and Matthias Sammer.
Both sides rested several key players for the tie, with Bayern having already wrapped up the Bundesliga title, and Shaqiri expects a much better spectacle when they are at full strength at Wembley on May 25.
“We can be happy with the result,” the Swiss winger said. “Dortmund are a good team, that’s why we’re facing them in Champions League final. So we can be happy with the draw here, because Dortmund almost played with their first squad.
“The result means nothing for the Champions League final, because the game will be different. It’s a different competition and the game will be totally different. Obviously it will be different, but we want to win the final.”
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was also happy to come away from Dortmund with a point, and was pleased by the spirit shown by both sides, even if it did boil over at times.
He added: “If people expected an leisurely game they were totally wrong. This game isn’t a friendly, there is always tension, everybody knows that. We kept on track and we want to win every game, so we played like that.
“Both teams rotated their squad. We dropped some crucial players, they stayed at home. I think we performed well and did our best.
“In the first half, when we played 11-a-side, Dortmund had the better start. At the beginning of the second half, we played better and controlled the game. So I think we showed a good performance.”
- 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.