MUNICH (Germany): Bayern Munich reached the Champions League semifinals after Croatia striker Ivica Olic netted both goals in a 2-0 win over Marseille in Tuesday’s quarterfinal second leg.
With the Bavarians having won 4-0 on aggregate, Bayern will host the first leg of their semifinal on April 17, most likely against Real Madrid, who host APOEL with a 3-0 lead in the second leg of their last-eight match on Wednesday.
Olic was back in the hero role, two years after after his hat-trick in Lyon put Bayern through to the 2010 final, where they lost 2-0 to Jose Mourinho-inspired Inter Milan in Madrid. Bayern are now within touching distance of the final that Munich’s Allianz Arena will host on May 19 as they look to win the Champions League trophy for the second time and claim their fifth European Cup title overall.
Having lost the first leg 2-0 in Marseille last Wednesday, the visitors were always facing an uphill task to win in Munich.
First-choice goalkeeper and captain Steve Mandanda was back from suspension and endured a busy night, while midfielder Alou Diarra was suspended.
He was replaced by Benoit Cheyrou, with Brazilian striker Brandao up front and top scorer Loic Remy on the right flank.
Bayern were missing suspended Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger and coach Jupp Heynckes opted to leave in-form pair Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben – the goal-scorers from the first leg – on the bench. Germany’s Thomas Mueller started on the right, with Olic in front of Toni Kroos in the attacking midfield role. (Agencies