Heynckes impressed with disciplined Bayern

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes praised his team’s defence after their tight 1-0 win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Thomas Mueller’s first-half penalty was enough for the visitors to claim all three points at the Grand Stade Lille Metropole, meaning Bayern are now equal on six points with Valencia and BATE Borisov in Group F.

“The Champions League is a different competition to that of the Bundesliga,” Heynckes said.

“We did not play well in recent weeks but we did the job against a good Lille side … There were few opportunities for both sides.

“At half-time, I had to substitute Franck Ribery, who had a small muscular problem. And it is difficult to manage without such a player.

“We showed that our team has great experience at European level. With this victory, we have increased our chance of qualifying. 1-0, it’s still a tight score. Anything can happen but Lille had few chances, the credit goes to my defence.”

Ribery believes the result was vital for Bayern’s Champions League hopes, and played down concerns over the thigh problem he experienced.

“It was important to win,” he said.

“It was not the best match, but it was well controlled until the end. It’s good for the confidence. Lille are a good team, well organised, but they have lost a lot of players.

“I felt like a cramp in the acceleration. It was difficult after that, because it disturbed me. I didn’t feel 100 percent. I talked with the doctors and they told me it was nothing serious, but there was no reason to take the risk.

“I’m going to get some rest and hopefully, I will play this weekend,” he said.