Soccer: Hitzfeld sounds note of caution

Real Madrid 0 Bayern Munich 1

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld remained cautious after the 1-0 win at Real Madrid gave their chances of making the Champions League final a massive boost.

Giovane Elber’s 55th-minute left-foot strike gave the Germans a famous victory in the Bernabeu but Hitzfeld said: ‘‘The defence was most important.

‘‘That was going to be the base of our success, as they have better individuals than we have. Madrid dominated, but we had the best chances.

‘‘Real played better in the second half, but our defence held the key. They were dangerous and could have had a goal at any time, but they missed and we took advantage.

‘‘The 1-0 score may seem unjust but 2-0 would have been excessive.

‘‘There is the return encounter to play, though, and Real can win on any field. We came to get a good result and that’s what happened.’’

Goalscorer Elber said: ‘‘I just want to thank Dr Moller-Wohlfahrt (the specialist who worked on his knee in the build-up to the game). To come back and score the goal was beyond my wildest dreams.’’

Stefan Effenberg, who was booked and will miss the second-leg, said: ‘‘We picked up where we left off in Manchester. We will go through even without me.’’

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano is adamant that the Spaniards are not out of the tie yet.

He said: ‘‘It is very possible to overcome the scoreline since it was not a big win.

‘‘We opened up Bayern and we already know what there is inside. In that sense, the game in Germany will be knowing how to handle their style of play.

‘‘We were extraordinary, and created situations to take the lead on at least four occasions. I am sure that this could also happen in Germany.

‘‘If there is a team in Europe able to overcome, it is Real Madrid.’’