Bayern back at their best

Defensive wall
Centre-backs Lucio and Valérien Ismaël and defensive midfielder Martín Demichelis provide a protective wall that few have been able to breach this season. In 22 Bundesliga matches, Bayern have conceded just 15 goals; in six UEFA Champions League Group A games, Oliver Kahn let in only four. "Our centre-backs, Lucio and Ismaël, are a true benchmark," coach Felix Magath said. "It is definitely not easy to put them in trouble." AC Milan have their work cut out when they visit Munich on Tuesday for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

'Unique'The two tall defenders form the perfect partnership. Lucio, 27, is passionate and forceful, always urging his side on. The 30-year-old Ismaël is more reserved and tactical, happy to hang back and organise the rearguard action. "On the pitch, Lucio is the one who tends to attack from time to time and I always stay back," said Ismaël, who moved to Munich from Werder Bremen last summer to increase his national-team chances with France. One complements the other, but in Magath's opinion, the Brazilian international is the leader of the pack. "Lucio is unique in every respect," Magath said. "He has a will I have never seen before. You could make him train on his own every day and he would be fit. This is the difference between him and all the others."

Very comfortable
Demichelis, 25, completes the picture as the creative spark who turns defence to attack once the opposition have run to ground on Bayern's defensive rocks. Like Lucio and Ismaël, he is also strong in the air and his impressive performances for Bayern earned him his Argentina debut earlier this season. "'Micho' has taken a huge step forward in the past year," says Magath. "He is especially valuable because he is also my first choice when I need to replace Lucio or Ismaël." Demichelis has also become a source of important goals for Bayern. In the group stage, he scored the only goal of the tie against Club Brugge KV and the winner in the 2-1 victory against Juventus. "I feel very comfortable in this team and I want have a big hand in us winning the trophy," he said.

Italian test
Traditionally it is Italian sides who have gained a reputation for defensive strength, but Bayern could be in a position to beat them at their own game. "Big matches on the big stage are often decided at the back," Kahn said. Having already defeated the Bianconeri on home soil, Bayern will be eager to show the Rossoneri first hand the real key to their success.