Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany struck a cautiously optimistic tone after his side secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. While pleased to carry a lead back to Germany for the Champions League quarter-final second leg, Kompany was quick to emphasize that the job is only half done.

"The feeling is okay; we did something positive to try to get into the next round," Kompany told Viaplay. "It feels like half-time. There haven’t been too many big celebrations, it’s been quite contained."

Bayern built a commanding position with first-half goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane, showcasing the attacking quality that makes them so dangerous. However, the relentless pressure from a star-studded Real Madrid side, led by Kylian Mbappé who netted a crucial away goal, ensured a tense finish and a finely balanced tie.

Reflecting on Madrid's fightback, Kompany refused to be critical of his team's performance. "I wouldn’t say we let them back into the game, although we had some chances that we didn’t finish," he noted. "They have so much quality and are always able to create something. We have to try to win the next game at the Allianz as well."

The former defender pinpointed the key ingredient for success in such a high-stakes European clash. "You need quality, that’s the first thing. Of course you need spirit and mentality too, but against a team as good as this, you need quality players. Our best players are performing right now, and that gives us a chance. We have to perform again next week."

The stage is now set for a monumental showdown at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday. With just a single goal separating the European giants, the second leg promises to be a tactical battle where composure and clinical finishing will be paramount.