Bayern eyes final buoyed by big win

Bayern eyes final buoyed by big win

Published Apr. 20, 2010 1:46 p.m. ET

Bayern Munich will have a distinct advantage going into its Champions League semifinal against Lyon - the German team was spared a long journey.

Lyon is taking a two-day trip in several minivans to Munich because of the air traffic disruptions caused by volcanic ash from Iceland.

With Bayern also in devastating form, the club chairman is trying to keep the players as down to earth as possible.

"It's not good to be too euphoric," Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

After ousting Manchester United in the quarterfinals, Bayern is in the last four for the first time since it won the title in 2001.

While Lyon had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Bordeaux in the domestic league, Bayern romped to a 7-0 rout of Hannover at home.

"This 7-0 result has no meaning for Wednesday's match," defender Philipp Lahm said.

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger warned his teammates about being complacent.

"Lyon eliminated Real Madrid and Bordeaux, against whom we lost twice in the group stage," Schweinsteiger said.

Bayern is on course for a treble. It is two points ahead of Schalke in the Bundesliga and it is also in the German Cup final.

But the buildup to Wednesday's match against Lyon has not been totally without distractions.

Coach Louis van Gaal went home to attend the funeral of his mother-in-law and missed some practice sessions.

Star playmaker Franck Ribery practiced on his own Monday because of slight hamstring problems, although he is expected to be able to play.

Van Gaal will be without his captain Mark van Bommel, who is suspended.

"It's a loss," the coach said.

Van Gaal is hoping that his team will not concede a goal at home.

"A 0-0 or 1-0 is better than 2-1. It sounds funny, but that's how it is," Van Gaal said.

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