The Comment by Holzmann et al. does not properly reflect the conclusions of the original article, as shown in the current response. New calculations on the title compounds, as well as on M(CO)2 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) complexes with both D∞h and C2v symmetry, included in the current response and based not only on the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules but also on the Natural Bond Orbital approach, strengthen the arguments of the original article.This work has been supported by the Spanish MINECO project MAT2016-78155-C2-1-R and the Principality of Asturias grant GRUP-IN-14-060.Peer reviewe