Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 6y

Real Madrid's Keylor Navas: I have shown character after early mistake

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas said he had shown "character" to maintain his focus after an early mistake to help his team to a semifinal win at Bayern Munich.

Navas was caught out at his near post by Bayern full-back Joshua Kimmich for the opening goal at the Allianz Arena, but later redeemed himself with a number of top saves from Franck Ribery.

Goals from Marcelo and Marco Asensio gave Zinedine Zidane's side the advantage ahead of next Tuesday's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Costa Rica international Navas was also at fault for Juventus' third goal as Real almost blew a 3-0 first leg lead in the previous round, leading to further speculation over his long-term future at the club.

However, speaking in the mixed zone after Wednesday's game, Navas said he had been able to maintain his composure after the mistake, and then help his side to another huge victory.

"I am relaxed," Navas said. "There are moments when things do not go as you want, but you must have the character to keep going, as there was a long time left. In the second half I could help my teammates to win the game."

Asensio put in a decisive performance in a big game, scoring his first Champions League goal since last season's final in Cardiff.

"I'm happy I'm doing my job well," Asensio told beIN SPORTS after the game. "Now to keep going like this, and think of La Liga [Leganes at home on Saturday], and the return [next Tuesday at the Bernabeu]."

"Lucas [Vazquez] did well and I saw a clear chance to hit it," he said. "It was a great goal but it is more important that we win."

Vazquez also had words of praise for his teammate.

"Marco finished it perfectly," he said. "He has been showing for a long time now that he can finish like a champion".

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