Neuer: Dortmund-Bayern game never friendly

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer was content with a point after the team's feisty 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund.

Kevin Grosskreutz struck the opening goal of the game for Borussia Dortmund, but Mario Gomez equalized for the new Bundesliga champions. However, Neuer also played his part when the German international was called upon to stop Robert Lewandowski's spot kick and he made a series of saves after Rafinha's dismissal left Bayern Munich short-handed.

With nothing but pride at stake in the game, some observers expected both sides to go easy on each other, but Neuer told Sky that he knew what was coming.
"No matter where the game takes place, it is never a friendly between these two teams," Neuer stated.

"It is always an eye-to-eye duel. We played the second-half with 10men, which was difficult of course."

The two sides will meet again in the Champions League final at the end of the month after seeing off Barcelona and Real Madrid earlier on in the week.

Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes praised his team for not resting on their laurels in what was built up to be a dress rehearsal for their European final.

"It was an intense game," he pointed out.

"After the week's events, It was not easy to move on with the agenda. There is high praise for my team, which acted outstandingly aggressive with 10 players. We deserved the point."

Bayern Munich host Augsburg at the Allianz Arena for their Bundesliga game next Saturday.