Manuel Neuer hails Bayern Munich’s ‘total domination’ in win over Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer described his side’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid as a display of “total domination”, despite the absence of manager Vincent Kompany through illness.

The German champions secured three points at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano with second-half goals from Konrad Laimer and Lennart Karl. The result marked Bayern’s second win in the league phase and lifted them temporarily to eighth place.

Neuer, 40, praised the way Bayern responded collectively to the challenge of facing a strong Atletico Madrid team away from home, while also highlighting the squad’s recent difficulties with injuries and events at FC Bayern.

“I’d say that was total domination from the first to the 93rd minute,” said the goalkeeper.

“No matter what Atletico threw at us, we always had an answer to it. We’re over the moon, especially given that we’ve been a bit hit by injuries and what’s happened at FC Bayern recently.

“But we’ve stood up well together and given everything so that we could enjoy a team success like tonight. That shows that we always stick together as a group, stand together and can deal with anything.

“I think a few people doubted whether we could pass the test here against a good team. To give an answer like that is incredible.”

Bayern’s performance provided a response to last weekend’s disappointing draw against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. They were without Kompany on Tuesday, but maintained control to claim a significant away victory in the European competition.

The Bundesliga side will now return their attention to domestic football, with a meeting against Mainz scheduled at the Mewa Arena on Saturday.