Bayern coach Pep Guardiola felt his side underperformed despite creating the majority of an entertaining game's chances in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in their first match of the Champions League campaign on Wednesday.
Former City defender Jerome Boateng gave the German champions the victory over their English counterparts when he struck from the edge of the box in the 90th minute thanks to a slight deflection off Mario Gotze.
Guardiola said he felt the goal was coming as Bayern controlled the match's closing stages.
"We played well. In the first 20 minutes, Manchester were better than we were but the last 15 minutes we dominated," he said. "We created a lot of opportunities to score but it was not easy against them. We played with a lot of courage and we won and we earned it."
Guardiola paid tribute to the resilience of Manchester City, who were without manager Manuel Pellegrini as he served a touchline ban.
"I know Manuel Pellegrini very well, his defensive movements in the back line are first class, almost perfect," the Bayern manager said. "It is not easy creating so many chances but we were consistent. We tried, we made everything and we deserved it.
Bayern are in second place in Group E, behind on goal difference to Roma, who trounced CSKA Moscow 5-1 on Wednesday.
"We know how difficult this group is. We know it will not be decided until the last game so to start with this victory is very important for us."