With a wink and a nod, I was very tempted to name this blog “Typical French” in response to the FFF allowing Olympique Lyon to postpone their Ligue 1 match against Monaco that was supposed to take place in between the Champions League semi-final ties. The news of which had me fuming on my facebook page, imploring my Irish friends to send me an “ABF” tee. (ABF = Anyone But France. And, ahead of June, I still want one.) But, Bayern Munich have decided not to lodge a formal protest, so I’ve cooled my heels a bit. Besides, there’s other stuff to talk about.

Ahead of the 7:0 thrashing his men gave to Hannover on Saturday, Louis van Gaal said, “I hope the desire is stronger than the exhaustion, but the body is not as strong as the spirit.” He added, “We have a few sissies here”, without mentioning any names, of course.

Anyone care to take a stab at who he was calling out? I’m gonna say Ribery, for sure.

Speaking of Franck Ribery (Aren’t we always?), he was questioned this weekend pertaining to an alleged underage sex-slave scandal. Now, I’m pretty sure that the discretions didn’t pertain to him, personally… as I just don’t see that from him. After all, this is a man who converted to the Muslim religion for his wife. And, a man who is willing to move to warmer climes to keep her happy. But still, it’s never-ending distractions with him. Ugh.

Braces scored by Ivica Olic and Thomas Mueller, and a nifty hat-trick from Arjen Robben kept Bayern Munich atop the Bundesliga over the weekend. The match against lowly Hannover was fun to watch, although the feed on my computer kept stalling. I was, concurrently, watching the Spurs / Chelsea match (in a pub full of Chelsea supporters), cheering on Tottenham, just to keep the Premiership interesting… and to be a little contrary.

Do you think the level of competition to the run-up of Wednesday’s match helps or hurts us? I’m inclined to believe it helps. A feel-good, relatively easy, match brings teams together. It was nice to see the smiles all around after the brutal schedule Bayern has had of late.

The only time I’ve seen Olympique Lyon play live is at the Allianz Arena in 2008. It was during the Oktoberfest, so my memory is not entirely reliable. But I do remember the final score, 1:1, with Bayern scoring for both sides: A Demichelis own goal and a superb header from Ze Roberto.

The most interesting match-ups on Wednesday will depend on what tactic Lyon coach, Puel, plans to take in Bavaria. If he parks the bus in front of his goal--- which seems unlikely as his back four is decimated--- he’ll pit the fabulous, young goaltender Hugo Lloris against Arjen Robben. I would think his shot for winning would go the other way, going on the offensive with midfielders, Bastos, Pjanic, Delgado, and striker, Lisandro. If they can be contained by Lahm, Demichelis, van Buyten and Contento, we should be well on our way to Madrid.

The only question in die Roten’s starting line-up: Who will replace suspended Mark van Bommel? Normally, I’d say Tymoschuk, without hesitation, but LVG seems to be favoring Pranjic lately. I’m curious to see which way it pans out.

The Lyon / Bayern history is level at two wins and two draws apiece. But, the greater Champions League history seems to favor the men from Munich, making their 13th appearance in the semi-finals; winning four titles and crowned runner’s-up in three more. FC Hollywood has lived up to their nickname this season--- a disappointing start, glorious wins, last-gasp comebacks, an arrogant coach, rumors and distractions… I could go on forever…

…And, although we haven’t won anything yet, this heart-attack inducing campaign has been oh-so exciting! We’re in the semi-finals of the Champions League, presently first in the Bundesliga, and playing the final in the DFB Pokal. Someone pinch me, I’m dreaming. It doesn’t get any better than this.

As always… Auf geht’s Bayern!