Bayern v Sporting preview

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Last updated: 10th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bayern v Sporting preview

Klinsmann: Looking for win

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Sporting Lisbon face an almost impossible task as they face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 clash.

The German giants powered their way to a 5-0 win in the first leg at the Jose Alvalade and barring a miracle should be in the last eight.

Sporting know the sizeable task that awaits them, indeed they would become the first Portuguese side to win at Bayern in the Champions League if they managed a victory.

Bayern's win in Portugal means they have the largest first-leg lead in Champions League history.

Despite this coach Jurgen Klinsmann insists his side cannot get complacent. After a 5-0 victory at Anderlecht in last season's Uefa Cup - they lost the return leg in Germany.

"We can't allow that to happen again. We have made a statement, and don't want to undo all of the good work. I expect my team to take this game very seriously," he insisted.

"Just because Sporting were beaten 5-0 doesn't mean they're a bad team, and they'll be determined to show what happened was just an accident."

Although Sporting know their European dream for 2009 is almost certainly set to end - but coach Paulo Bento wants to restore some pride.

"The outcome of this round is already certain," said Bento.

"We're here to defend Sporting's image - it's a question of pride. We hope to win, but mostly we want to give a good account of ourselves to set us up for the rest of the season."

Team news

Team news wise, Bayern are set to welcome back skipper Mark van Bommel to their side after he served a domestic suspension at the weekend.

Despite insisting that he wants a performance, Klinsmann looks set to draft in some of his squad players - including No.2 goalkeeper Hans Jorg Butt - who could make his debut for the club.

Franck Ribery and Luca Toni will not be risked, whilst Hamit Altintop is definitely out after tearing a hamstring.

For Sporting, Fabio Rochemback, Leandro Grimi and Helder Postiga are out of the match after being left at home in the Portuguese capital because of injury.

Simon Vukcevic may be included in the starting line-up after recovering from flu.

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