Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes believes his side's tactic of nullifying the threat posed by chief playmaker Andrea Pirlo was key to their comfortable 2-0 win over Juventus in the first leg Champions League quarterfinal, while the Italian side's coach Antonio Conte admitted they had lost to a great team.
Goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller gave the Bundesliga champions-elect a huge advantage over the Italian champions going into the second leg in Turin next week.
"Our preparation was very good and you could clearly see our tactical plan," Heynckes said. "We attacked very early and so managed to take Pirlo out of the equation.
"My team showed a lot of confidence at times, stretches of the game were outstanding. I had a distinct plan for Juventus and I believe it worked.
"I've studied Juve intensively and came up with the tactic we employed today. Our aim was to put pressure on them early and take Pirlo out of the game, which worked really well. It's a fantastic achievement to keep a clean sheet against an Italian team. The way we did it especially impressed me."
Bayern winger Arjen Robben, who came on early in the first half for the injured Toni Kroos, believes keeping a clean sheet at home was the most important aspect.
"When we spoke about the game before we said we cannot concede a goal today, that is the most important thing," he told Sky Sports. "In the end, 2-0 at home, is a good advantage.
"I think it was a very good game to watch because both teams were pressing forward and it was almost one-against-one on the whole pitch."
Juve boss Conte acknowledged Bayern were the far superior side on the night, but believes his side can spring a surprise in the second leg.
"Bayern played a great game," he said. "We just came up against a great team tonight. I have to be honest and admit that we simply faced a better side.
"We knew it would be a difficult game but we also know that football is unpredictable and that we'll have to do something great against such a strong team in the return leg.
"Bayern have great quality but also a great physical condition and a great fighting spirit. They are up there with Barcelona and (Real) Madrid in terms of quality yet they are also very angry after losing last season's final at home on penalties. And they proved all their grit tonight."
