Bayern Munich remained in control of Champions League Group A and on course for the knockout stages after a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the San Paolo in Naples on Tuesday.

The German giant remains two points clear of its Italian rival at the top of the group and still has two home games out of three left.

Toni Kroos gave it a flying start after just two minutes, but an own goal from Holger Badstuber pegged it back, ending Manuel Neuer's run of not conceding a goal at just over 19 hours.

Bayern coach Juup Heynckes said he felt his team was well on course to reaching the second round.

"Obviously we came here to win even though we were up against a good side. Maybe I'm satisfied with a draw even though given the way we played in the second half we deserved to win," he said.

"I'm not a prophet, right now it's difficult to assess. We started the group well and now obviously we're going back to play at home.

"We're quite confident in our chances of qualification, but Napoli also have a chance."

Napoli might have been expected to be less pleased with the result as Manchester City's last-gasp 2-1 win over Villarreal means it is one point behind the Italians.

But coach Walter Mazzarri insisted they don't have any particular expectations.

"We're back in the Champions League after 21 years and got drawn in the toughest group and everyone thought we could forget about qualifying," he said. "We need to improve and play in every game like we have done so far."

AFP

(China Daily 10/20/2011 page22)