In the 1998/99 season, FC Bayern made another attempt to bring the UCL trophy to Munich. In 1986/87, the German record champions had reached the final of the European Champion Clubs' Cup, the predecessor of today's Champions League, for the last time. The last time Bayern had won the tournament was in 1976, even further back. The final hurdle before the final match, Dynamo Kyiv lay in wait for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side in the semi-finals. On 7 April 1999, FCB played the first leg in Kiev. The Ukrainians were the surprise package of the season and quickly proved their worth against the Bavarian side.
Surprised by the hosts
Andriy Shevchenko surprised Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, scoring three goals, and was similarly effective against FC Bayern, bagging a brace.
Dynamo got off to the better start and took the lead after only 16 minutes with a goal from eventual superstar Andriy Shevchenko. FCB did not let themselves be beaten and fought for chance after chance, but a goal evaded Bayern initially. Dynamo continued to make good opportunities, but goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year after the season, prevented a larger deficit with strong saves - until the 43rd minute. Shevchenko scored again, this time from a free-kick. It looked as if the worst fears of a 2-0 deficit at half-time would materialise, but FCB showed fighting spirit. Michael Tarnat brought the visitors back into the game in the 45th minute with a free-kick from 30 yards, a crucial goal just before half-time.
Never give up - Effenberg's free-kick
The now five-time Champions League winners were unable to use that momentum going into the second half, however, as Vitaliy Kosovskyi again extended the hosts' advantage to two goals just five minutes after the interval. It was at this point that the 80,000 spectators at Kiev's Olympic Stadium began to witness a football spectacle for the ages. Neither team let up and they exchanged a series of blows. Bayern were pushing for the all-important second away goal: even the back three were on the halfway line. In the 78th minute, FCB's courage was rewarded. Stefan Effenberg picked up the ball to take a free-kick. Everybody expected a cross into the box, but Effenberg shot directly towards the near post. Goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy was wrongfooted, taken completely by surprise. It was now just 3-2!
Jancker rewards Bayern
Now there was even more reason to drive forward. FCB pushed Dynamo back to the edge of their own area and were rewarded for their spirited efforts. Carsten Jancker hammered the ball into the net on the spin in the 88th minute to draw the game level at 3-3! A short time later the final whistle sounded, and only Bayern fans could be heard. "Many a great European team would have lost here today," Uli Hoeneß exclaimed, in praise of his team after the final whistle.
With unbelievably strong will, the entire team fought their way back into the game, and with the three away goals scored, created a strong base for the second leg. Matthäus & Co. won the return match 1-0 at home and reached the final.
7 April is a good date for FC Bayern! In 2010 Arjen Robben fired the Munich side into the CL semi-finals thanks to a wondergoal away at Manchester United:
