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Bayern ready to turn the tide

Captain Oliver Kahn thinks it "realistic" that FC Bayern München could overcome a 4-2 deficit against Chelsea FC.

By Andreas Alf in Munich

The return from injury of Claudio Pizarro and Roy Makaay has given FC Bayern München the confidence to overcome Chelsea FC when the London club arrive in Munich for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Kahn's formula
Despite their 4-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday, Bayern have no doubts they can defeat Chelsea at a sold-out Olympiastadion. "Our name speaks for itself," said goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. "On home soil, we have proved that we are one of Europe's footballing powers. Keeping our concentration and scoring a goal in each half - that is quite realistic for our team."

Tough task
Felix Magath's side move to their new Allianz Arena home in the summer, but are too ambitious to bring down the curtain on decades of great European victories at the Olympiastadion just yet. But Kahn, whose team need at least a two-goal triumph in their 100th Champions League appearance to have any chance of progress, knows Chelsea have not lost by more than one goal in their last 33 matches.

'Total dedication'
"When we show total dedication and absolute desire, Chelsea will feel it," said the 35-year-old German international. "This is the statement we will have to make and which will inspire us perfectly."

Absentees return
With Makaay and Pizarro both recovered from hamstring problems and able to return to Bayern's starting lineup, Magath is optimistic. "Our strikers will play, as well as [Martin] Demichelis. I am glad because our successful formation is back on the pitch at last." In the eyes of Kahn, it is Argentinian anchorman Demichelis, suspended in the first leg, who will make the difference. "'Micho' gives us more stability in our defence," he explained.

Pizarro inspiration
Meanwhile, Owen Hargreaves is convinced Pizarro will provide the necessary inspiration. "He is a key element in our play," the English international said. "Chelsea have played beautiful football so far. But they were not able to do so against us. If we simply perform better this time, it will be enough for us to qualify for the next round."

Mourinho to attend
Chelsea manager José Mourinho remains suspended from the bench, but unlike last week he will be in the stadium on Tuesday. Striker Mikael Forssell, who made his injury comeback in the closing minutes of the first leg, insists that the Portuguese coach will still be a huge influence.

'Tactical nous'
"The manager has installed a belief in all of the players that we can win everything," said Forssell. "That belief will be with us on Tuesday. He knows everything about the game and his tactical nous is unbelievable."

Manager's warning
Mourinho himself warned: "It will be a difficult game. If they score early or if they score late, it will be a difficult game for us." Full-backs Wayne Bridge and Paulo Ferreira, midfield player Scott Parker and winger Arjen Robben all remain sidelined through injury for Chelsea, while striker Mateja Kezman is ill.

Semi-final dream
On Saturday Chelsea needed a late equaliser to avoid a first home defeat under Mourinho as they drew 1-1 with Birmingham City FC, but they could still clinch their first league title in 50 years within a fortnight - by which stage they hope to be ready for a second consecutive Champions League semi-final against either Juventus FC or domestic rivals Liverpool FC.

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