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Barcelona bitterness Bayern has learned from last-minute loss
MILAN (Reuters) -- Few know better than Bayern Munich the truth that lies in the clich: "It ain't over until its over." In Barcelona, two years ago the Champions League title slipped from Bayern's grasp when Manchester United struck twice in injury time for a dramatic win. But on Saturday it was Bayern's turn to steal glory at the death when a 93rd minute goal from Swedish defender Patrik Andersson gave the Munich club a vital point at Hamburg to secure their third consecutive Bundesliga title. Speaking at a press conference before Wednesday's Champions League final against Valencia, Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said that his team had learnt from the bitterness of Barcelona. "One of the lessons we learned from the Manchester United match is that anything can happen right at the end. They did it and so we know we can do it ourselves," said the Bayern boss. Midfielder Stefan Effenberg said there was no question of Bayern being caught out again at the end, but added the players would be keeping the United defeat firmly out of their thoughts. "Nobody should have anything in their minds about what happened two years ago," said the powerful midfielder, "Barcelona, Manchester United, that is all history. "But we never give up. That is a fundamental trait of ours. "It doesn't work all the time. We saw that in 1999, but no matter how long a match lasts we are always ready to spring a surprise." But Effenberg, whose authoritative performances in midfield have been an essential part of Bayern's success this season, said it would be a mistake to draw too many conclusions from his team's defeat to United. "Everything is a bit different now. Two years ago we went into the final after winning the German title by 15 points whereas this year we really had to fight until the bitter end. Momentum"We haven't had any chance to sit back and relax but that means there is the right kind of tension and momentum for everything to come together for us," he said. Hitzfeld said there was no danger that Bayern would suffer from facing the final just four days after celebrating the club's 17th domestic championship win. "Hamburg is already far away at least mentally. You could feel that in training today," said the Bayern coach. Hitzfeld believes fans are in for a fascinating tactical battle but gave little away about his own approach to the game. "Both teams have the same basic starting point. They have both lost a final, they are both strong defensively and well organized. It will be interesting to see which team opens up and goes forward more," said Hitzfeld. But for all the talk of the importance of fighting until the end, Effenberg believes the biggest change in the last two years is in the quality of the Bayern squad. "In the last two years we have reinforced the ranks with new players. There are 19 internationals in the squad. We were lucky in Hamburg but I think you can force luck to be on your side sooner or later."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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