Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has praised Benfica's defensive efforts after they limited his side to just one goal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final this evening.

Bayern broke the deadlock through Arturo Vidal after just two minutes at the Allianz Arena, but were frustrated for the remainder of the game as the visitors held out.

The German champions must now defend a one-goal advantage at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon next Wednesday, and Neuer was full of praise for the opposition's rearguard action.

"We only had a few good chances, Benfica's defence did a good job, their four-man defence works pretty well," he told reporters.

"In the end we were unable to score a second goal, but sometimes a 1-0 has to be enough."

Bayern are bidding to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the fifth season in a row.