Created on 26-03-2012 at 00:00 AM
Bayern's scored 20 goals in their thumping wins over Hoffenheim, Basel and Hertha Berlin. That produced respect from all over Europe, and nowhere more so than at Olympique Marseille, FCB's Champions League quarter-final first leg opponents on Wednesday. “I watched the first 10 minutes of their meeting with Hertha on TV. Then I turned it off. How are we supposed to shut out the Bayern strikers? I can't have them tied up," said OM boss Didier Deschamps.
Defender Stephane Mbia was not a great deal more optimistic. “When you look at the Bayern forward line, you're basically stricken with fear," the player stated. Olympique claim to be frightened, but are they right? Or is it all just pre-match mind-games? fcbayern.de takes a closer look at last season's French runners-up.
Current domestic situation:
Olympique have fallen way below expectations in the French Ligue 1 this term. Their most recent victory was way back on 29 January against Stade Rennes. OM last posted a worse record some 33 years ago, when they were relegated. The current campaign is by no means as bad, but the men in light blue are 13 points off a Champions League qualifying place in third, and nine adrift of the Europa League spot in fifth. Marseille have nine league games remaining to work their way up from eighth and secure European football next season.