AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his players’ courage played a crucial role in their 4-1 victory over German champions Bayern Munich and their qualification to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

“I have been waiting for some time for the team to put in a performance like that and they showed great application and courage,” Ancelotti told the official Milan website on Thursday.

“That was the key to this game because if you are afraid then you cannot manage to build moves, the defence played and the midfield covered. I saw Pirlo all over the place, Vogel was bright and Seedorf very aggressive, it was all good,” he added.

Milan qualified to the competition quarter-finals after a 5-2 aggregate win over Bayern.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti praised the fans’ support throughout the game and commended Bayern’s performance, saying that they were tough opponents.

“The environment in the San Siro and the fans really help. Bayern are a difficult side to play against as Manchester United were last year,” Ancelotti said.

Asked about his expectations for the rest of their Champions League campaign, Ancelotti said: “Milan are the only side from last season to come through again and this shows our great character. I would prefer to avoid an Italian side in the next round because the tension is to high, it's better to play a foreign side.”