Real Madrid were grateful to an Oliver Kahn blunder which helped them earn a draw in their Champions League first knockout round tie with Bayern Munich.
Trailing 1-0 to a Roy Makaay headed goal, Real were gifted an equaliser and what may prove to be an all-important away goal when Kahn let a long-range Carlos free kick roll under his body just seven minutes from time.
“Bayern now have to go to Madrid in search of a win,” Real defender Roberto Carlos said after the 1-1 result.
“That will be very hard for them because, with our fans behind us, we are a very difficult side to beat in our own stadium.”
Real were pleased to emerge with anything from a keenly-cintested tie.
“Given the way the game went, it is a very good result for us,” said Real keeper Iker Casillas.
“Except for our goal, we had very few chances.
“They had more of the ball and enjoyed more chances and it probably wasn’t a fair result. Kahn’s error was one of those things that can happen – everyone makes mistakes – but he is experienced enough to get over it.”
Carlos said he had not expected to score from the free kick.
“I had turned around (after taking the free kick) because I thought Kahn had saved it, but the ball was going quite quickly, it was wet and was difficult to save,” the Brazilian added.
Meanwhile, Real midfielder David Beckham believes Bayern’s chances cannot be discounted.
“I’ve been hearing for some time now that Bayern are in crisis, but when you play against them you realise that they are still a great team,” the England captain said.
“I’m convinced, though, that we are going to make it through to the quarter-finals. We can’t slip up at the Bernabeu.”
