'Atletico's 1-0 win an advantage but not decisive'

Bayern Munich midfielder Xavi Alonso has admitted their 0-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final has given the Spanish football team "a good advantage" but warned it was not decisive.

Saul Niguez scored a fantastic individual goal in the first half to hand Atletico the win here on Wednesday. The return leg match at Munich is scheduled for next Wednesday.

"We were not playing well in the first twenty minutes. Atletico played much better. The 1-0 win gives them a good advantage but it is not decisive for the second leg," said Alonso after the match here on Wednesday.

The Spaniard added that the team knew how Atletico would play and was "mentally prepared" for the match. He also admitted that Atletico played very well.

"We know how they are. They have played very well and it is no surprise. Apart from preparation, we need execution. It is easier said than done. Atletico's football has not surprised us," he explained.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola praised Niguez's fantastic goal, underlining that he is a "great football player" and that "Spanish football has another great talent".

"I have seen him before. He is a great player. Spanish football has another great talent," he said.

--IANS

sam/bg