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Ancelotti denies underestimating Rostov

Cape Town - Bayern Munich head coach Carlo Ancelotti refuted suggestions they didn't take their opponents seriously enough ahead of their shock 3-2 loss to FC Rostov on Wednesday.

Despite taking a 36th minute lead through Douglas Costa at the Stadion Olimp 2, Rostov levelled on the stroke of half time through Sardar Azmoun before taking the lead five minutes after the restart when Dmitry Poloz netted a penalty.

Bayern were back in the game with Juan Bernat on target after 52 minutes, but Christian Noboa secured all three points for the Russians when he struck with a 66th minute free-kick.

After the match, a downbeat Ancelotti laid the blame on individual mistakes rather than complacency - this following a mini-slump that saw Bayern lose 1-0 to rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Hoffenheim.

Ancelotti told the club's official website: "We have not underestimated Rostov.

"We did not play well - that was the reason for the defeat.

"After half-time we made too many mistakes. At the moment, it is very difficult for us."

Up next for Bayern is a home tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

The German champions, currently on 9 points are guaranteed to now finish second in Group D, as they are six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid with one round of fixtures left.

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