Dybala: Juventus earned Bayern Munich's respect after 1st-leg comeback

Goal-scorer Paulo Dybala believes Juventus earned Bayern Munich's respect after storming back to overcome a two-goal deficit in the first leg leg of its Champions League matchup with the German champions.

A deflating first half that saw Bayern take the lead and then double its advantage minutes after halftime was forgotten by the time the final whistle was blown as goals from Dybala and Stefano Sturaro ensured a 2-2 score line ahead of the second leg in Munich next month.

After scoring his first goal in the Champions League, Dybala was full of praise for his team, saying that Juve was vastly improved defensively after conceding the second and spoke optimistically about the Italian outfit's chances of coming away from Munich with a positive result.

"We were aware it was going to be very difficult, but we made them respect us in the end. We put our heart into it and did well to get a draw. We can do it," Dybala told Mediaset Premium, with translation from ESPNFC.

"We gave everything we had and never gave up. In the first half we allowed Bayern too much room, but did better in the second half by pressing high.

"It will be tough in the second leg, few teams can beat Bayern on their own turf, but if we play with this heart and determination then we can do it."

Meanwhile, Juventus manager Massimo Allegri offered a more pessimistic view of the match and the March 16 meeting at the Allianz Arena, but believes his team - which finished as runners-up in the competition last season - can present a challenge for Pep Guardiola's side in the second leg.

"In order to qualify we have to win and now we have to do it there," he said. "The team played well and we have to build on the second-half performance more than the errors of the first half.

"We should've done better playing our way out of defence, but still created some interesting opportunities.

"We improved in the second half and above all gained confidence, so we were rewarded for that. It proves that in the Champions League you need more belief and courage.

"Of course we believe in our chances, absolutely, and the fight-back gives us more confidence. Right now have to focus on Serie A, though."