Magath already plotting Milan fall

Mentally preparing
Bayern, unchallenged on the domestic front, believe they can win football's premier club competition for a fifth time this season, although their Round of 16 meeting with last season's runners-up AC Milan could hardly be tougher. Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Hannover, and Tuesday's visit of the Rossoneri, Magath said: "All the top teams in Europe focus their concentration on the Champions League in the build-up to crucial matches. You often see domestic form tailing off. Obviously, my players are mentally gearing up for AC Milan."

European dates
Bayern have every reason to be confident after extending their lead at the German summit from six points at the turn of the year. Their two chief rivals also have European dates to worry about. Second-placed Hamburger SV, who face a tricky game at Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, lost 1-0 to FC Thun in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, but will be confident of turning around the tie in the return leg at home next week. Werder Bremen, a point further back in third, play BV Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with a visit of Italian leaders Juventus to come on Wednesday.

'Decisive goals'
Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness criticised the team after a series of unconvincing performances of late, leaving Magath to counter: "The mark of a top team is the ability to win despite people saying you didn't play well. We've always struck at the decisive moment and scored decisive goals. That's all you have to do to take the three points."