Manuel Neuer: 'Bayern Munich lacked aggression and courage'

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has admitted that his side were not aggressive or courageous enough in the first half of their Champions League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid this evening.

Saul Niguez scored the only goal of the game after just 11 minutes at the Vicente Calderon, beating Neuer with a clinical finish having waltzed his way past a number of Bayern defenders.

The visitors piled the pressure on in the second half, but were frustrated by Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone's side held out for the win.

"We let Saul get too close to goal. We have to accept the blame. Still, he took it very well," Neuer told reporters.

"We showed more aggression and courage in the second half. We were missing that in the first.

"We have to be wide awake in Munich. With the fans behind us, we'll give it everything to reach the final."

The second leg will take place at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday, with Bayern looking to avoid a third successive semi-final exit at the hands of Spanish opposition.