"The stress level was extremely high" – Pavlović on Bayern's dramatic win over Real Madrid

Aleksandar Pavlović admits that "the stress level was extremely high" during Bayern Munich's rollercoaster 4–3 win over Real Madrid.

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Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović has reflected on Wednesday night’s rollercoaster 4-3 win over Real Madrid, which saw his side come back from 2-3 down at half-time to book passage to the Champions League semi-finals.

“The stress level today was extremely high. But if every game ends like this one, we’ll gladly take it,” Pavlović said in a post-match interview.

“What was crucial was that our rest defence was very well organised in the second half. We had more coordination, more control – and offensively we did what we usually do well. That’s why we deserved to win.”

After Bayern fell behind early following a big mistake by Manuel Neuer, Pavlović got on the scoresheet for the first time in the Champions League with the equaliser.

“Going behind after 35 seconds is obviously not a nice moment. But it’s exactly in situations like that that a team grows together. We responded immediately, kept going, and didn’t lose our composure – that’s how a top team plays,” he said.

“My first Champions League goal coming against Real Madrid of all teams – it doesn’t really get much better. I was really happy to score the equaliser.”

Pavlović and Bayern can now look forward to another blockbuster tie against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

“PSG in the semi-final will of course be another really tough opponent. Everyone knows what kind of team they are – very active, maybe together with us one of the most active teams at the moment. We’re looking forward to it and will prepare well,” he added.