Ivica Olic’s hat-trick ensured Bayern Munich’s place in the UEFA Champions League final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Lyon at Stade Gerland on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich carried a one goal lead into the semi-final second-leg against the French side and have now finished up 4-0 winners on aggregate.
The Croatia international struck his first of three goals on the night in the 26th minute. Thomas Muller created the chance for Olic to power to the net and mount a near-impossible task upon Lyon – needing three goals to make a comeback.
Fifteen minutes into the second half the situation worsened for Lyon as defender Cris was sent-off following a baffling decision by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca. Cris’s challenge on Ivica Olic looked perfectly-timed but Busacca brandished a yellow card. A sarcastic clap from Cris was enough for the referee to send the Lyon captain off the field.
A stunning pass from Hamit Altintop created the opportunity for Olic’s second goal on 67 minutes and the hat-trick was completed ten minutes later when the Croatian put away a close-range header.
Bayern Munich will now face either Inter Milan or Barcelona in the final on Saturday 22 May at the Bernabeu in Madrid. Inter lead Barcelona 3-1 from the first-leg with the second-leg in Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
