Champions League Soccer: Lyon Whimpers, Bayern Roars
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Apr 27 2010, 8:04 PM
(Image via TimesOnline)
Bayern Munich's on form offense proved far too much for Lyon today in the 2nd Leg of their Champions League Semi-Final at the Stade Gerland. Ivica Olic nabbed a hat-trick as his side cruised to a 3-0 victory in France.
Lyon couldn't muster any sort of sustained pressure in the Byern half with their midfielders being dominated for much of the match, and their back line failing to prevent Bayern's attackers from getting in quality positions. Bayern took control of proceedings in the 26th minute when Thomas Muller's nice run into the Lyon Box was rewarded with a neat ball from Bastian Schweinsteiger. Muller did well to stay on his feet after a challenge from full-back Anthony Reveillere, and squared the ball to Ivica Olic in front of the Lyon net, who calmly turned, and scored a vital away goal. If Lyon were to advance, they would need to score the next 3 goals due to Bayern's 2-0 aggregate lead.
Michel Bastos missed a wide open volley a few minutes after Olic scored, which might have given the French side the impetus to push forward, and put Bayern under pressure, but their inexperience, and lack of composure would prove costly. Bayern dominated the rest of the encounter, and were aided even further in the 59th minute when Lyon defender, Cris, was given a second yellow card by Referee Massimo Busacca for sarcastically clapping the referee after a foul went against him. Harsh? Yes. Did it matter in the long run? Highly doubtful. Olic scored two more goals in the 66th and 76th minutes, respectively, and Bayern deservedly booked their place in the Final in Madrid on May 22nd. They will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona, who complete their Semi-Final tomorrow.
Here are the highlights of a day Ivica Olic will not soon forget:
Follow Omar Shamout on Twitter: @Sham0ut
(Image via TimesOnline)
Bayern Munich's on form offense proved far too much for Lyon today in the 2nd Leg of their Champions League Semi-Final at the Stade Gerland. Ivica Olic nabbed a hat-trick as his side cruised to a 3-0 victory in France.
Lyon couldn't muster any sort of sustained pressure in the Byern half with their midfielders being dominated for much of the match, and their back line failing to prevent Bayern's attackers from getting in quality positions. Bayern took control of proceedings in the 26th minute when Thomas Muller's nice run into the Lyon Box was rewarded with a neat ball from Bastian Schweinsteiger. Muller did well to stay on his feet after a challenge from full-back Anthony Reveillere, and squared the ball to Ivica Olic in front of the Lyon net, who calmly turned, and scored a vital away goal. If Lyon were to advance, they would need to score the next 3 goals due to Bayern's 2-0 aggregate lead.
Michel Bastos missed a wide open volley a few minutes after Olic scored, which might have given the French side the impetus to push forward, and put Bayern under pressure, but their inexperience, and lack of composure would prove costly. Bayern dominated the rest of the encounter, and were aided even further in the 59th minute when Lyon defender, Cris, was given a second yellow card by Referee Massimo Busacca for sarcastically clapping the referee after a foul went against him. Harsh? Yes. Did it matter in the long run? Highly doubtful. Olic scored two more goals in the 66th and 76th minutes, respectively, and Bayern deservedly booked their place in the Final in Madrid on May 22nd. They will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona, who complete their Semi-Final tomorrow.
Here are the highlights of a day Ivica Olic will not soon forget:
Follow Omar Shamout on Twitter: @Sham0ut
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