Lyon 0 - 3 Bayern Munich: Dutch leadership & German perseverance gives Bayern Munich a place in the Champions League final

Just when you thought Lyon were going to fulfill Michel Platini’s dream of having a French side in the Champions League final, Louis van Gaal’s Bayern Munich gave one of their most complete performances of the season by defeating Lyon 3-0 at the Stade de Gerland in France. Despite an absolutely electric atmosphere, Lyon failed to live up to their supporters’ expectations. The French giants, who are also not living up to expectations as they sit in 5th place (outside of Champions League & Europa League qualification) in Ligue 1, looked outclassed from early on. Many thought Lyon would come back from the 1-0 defeat in Munich last week because Bayern’s world-class winger, Franck Ribery, was suspended because of his red card in the prior game.

But that was simply not the case, as even the best efforts of Lyon’s acclaimed keeper Hugo Lloris could not stop the German side. Croatian striker Ivica Olic tucked his chances away like a true professional, earning a hat-trick that he will always cherish. Despite staying off the scoresheet, Dutch winger Arjen Robben also led his side to victory because the Lyon players looked visibly unsure of how to defend against Bayern’s player of the season.

It has to be mentioned that Lyon were given a disadvantage when Cris was controversially sent off in the second half, but at that point, with the scoreline at 1-0, Lyon needed to score three goals to progress anyway because of the away goals rule. Before the match Louis van Gaal insisted that his side would not try to defend and hold onto its 1-0 lead from the previous match, stating that his Dutch style of coaching wouldn’t allow him to do that. So Bayern attacked. And attacked. And then attacked some more. And now the German giants have rightfully earned a spot in the Champions League final, where they will play either Barcelona or Inter Milan. Either way, we have nothing short of a feast of football to look forward to on May 22nd, when the Bernabeu will showcase Europe’s two best sides in Madrid.