There are only days to go until the highlight matches of the 2011/12 campaign, the DFB Cup final against Dortmund on 12 May and the Champions League final against Chelsea on 19 May. Bayern and the army of loyal FCB fans all over the world can hardly wait for the thrilling climax to the season. Join in the fcbayern.de countdown with our daily bulletin reporting the latest news from opponents BVB and the Blues.
Thursday 10 May:
+ + + Chelsea: Blues cement ties to Sauber + + +
On Thursday, Chelsea unveiled a new partnership with Formula 1 team Sauber with a launch event held at the club’s Cobham training ground. The event included a demonstration of the Sauber C31, the Swiss team’s current race car, much to the enthusiasm of the Chelsea stars. “I like Formula 1, it’s a fabulous sport,” commented midfielder Juan Mata, who got to sit in the car and join all his team-mates in taking numerous photographs. The F1 racer will bear the Chelsea logo for the first time at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona from 11 to 13 May.
Wednesday 9 May:
+ + + Dortmund: BVB at full strength + + +
Borussia Dortmund will be at full strength for the DFB Cup final against Bayern in front of a sell-out crowd at Berlin Olympic Stadium. With the exception of the injured Patrick Owomoyela, boss Jürgen Klopp’s squad is complete and fit. “It's one of the biggest matches in Germany of recent years. We're so totally looking forward to it," Klopp said on Wednesday. Victory in the cup final for league champions Dortmund would seal a first domestic double in the club's 103-year history.
+ + + Chelsea: Race against time for Cahill and Luiz + + +
With a week and a half to go until the final in Munich, the Chelsea medical unit is working round-the-clock to restore Gary Cahill and David Luiz to fitness. Both centre backs have been sidelined for several weeks with hamstring injuries, and neither has been given the green light for a comeback yet. “I don't know whether they'll make it in time for the final," said interim coach Roberto di Matteo. Chelsea are already without suspended central defenders John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic in Munich.
Tuesday 8 May:
+ + + Chelsea: Blues versus Reds, part two + + +
Chelsea met Liverpool in the FA Cup final last Saturday, with the Blues emerging 2–1 winners. Just three days later, the Reds have the chance of a measure of revenge as the teams meet again in the delayed second-to-last league fixture of the campaign. Chelsea visit Anfield desperate to keep alive their flickering hopes of a Champions League qualifying spot. The west London club currently lie sixth in the Premier League on 61 points, five behind Tottenham in the coveted fourth spot.
Monday 7 May:
+ + + Chelsea: Injured David Luiz targets final + + +
Chelsea defender David Luiz is currently sidelined with injury, but is determined to take his place in the team on 19 May. “I'm having treatment every day and training hard, because I want to play in Munich. I'll do everything I can, because playing there is my dream," declared the Brazilian, “I think I'll have enough fitness. I'm fit for Munich." Coach Roberto di Matteo is hoping the player's self-assessment is correct, as centre-backs John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are both out suspended.
+ + + Dortmund: five in German preliminary squad + + +
Eight Bayern men have been called up to Germany coach Joachim Löw’s preliminary squad for Euro 2012, three more than the contingent from champions Dortmund: Mats Hummels, Mario Götze, Sven Bender, Marcel Schmelzer and Ilkay Gündogan.
+ + + Dortmund: Weidenfeller says final is too close to call + + +
Five days prior to the domestic cup final in Berlin, Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller has told kicker magazine that the showdown is too close to call. “It's a clash between evenly-matched sides. Both teams have already achieved great things. Bayern have the Champions League final against Chelsea and we've won the league, so it's already a successful season for both clubs," the veteran said.
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