Van Buyten buzzing after Bayern winner
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Article summary
Belgian centre-back Daniel Van Buyten told uefa.com that FC Bayern München are "hoping to stay top" of Group F after his first-half header secured a gritty 1-0 victory at FC Steaua Bucureşti on Matchday 1.
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Second-half onslaught
While group rivals Olympique Lyonnais were held 2-2 by ACF Fiorentina at the Stade de Gerland, the 30-year-old centre-back's header proved enough for all three points in Romania. "It's a nice feeling to have," he said. "It's good to have scored the winner and even better when you look at the result of the other game. It's really important to be top of this group." Back in the UEFA Champions League after a season in the UEFA Cup, Bayern did not take to the easy route to victory. The German champions rode their luck, particularly under Steaua's second-half onslaught, and were indebted to a superb performance by keeper Michael Rensing on a rain-swept pitch.
Under control
"We had a good first half," the Belgian said. "We didn't let our opponents become dangerous and we were able to get a goal, which gave us a bit more confidence." However, he did admit: "The second half was tougher. Steaua were getting forward more, and looking to take the initiative, but we always felt we had things under control. It was tougher then, but I think given the fairly difficult pitch and the poor weather, we came out of it all very well and we're satisfied with the result, especially with Lyon drawing."
Noisy crowd
Along with their desire to take a point from the group favourites, Steaua were also driven forward by vocal home fans who defied the miserable weather. "It's a crowd that really gets behind their team and the Steaua players give absolutely everything when they're at home," Van Buyten added. "We knew it was going to be hard, but we're top of the group and we're hoping to stay there. The win's bound to give team morale a lift, for everyone involved. There were a few mistakes in the second half, which caused us a few problems. But overall, it's done us a power of good and we are heading in the right direction."
Van Bommel backing
Bayern captain Mark van Bommel was on the same wavelength, meanwhile: "It's always important to win your first game, especially away, and if we win our home games we'll have 12 points. That would be very nice, but it isn't so easy to win your home games, as you saw today."