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Diarra says Marseille are still in with a chance of progressing to the semis. Neal Simpson/EMPICS Sport
Game on

Champions League preview: 'Not mission impossible' for Marseille

The French side are 2-0 down from the first-leg ahead of their trip to Munich.

MARSEILLE HAVE A big challenge before them when they travel to Bayern Munich for their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday.

The Ligue 1 side trail 2-0 after their home leg, and need to beat their German opponents – who have won their past seven in all competitions – by at least two goals at the Allianz Arena.

The last time Bayern lost by two goals at home was to Borussia Dortmund in February last year, a season in which Jurgen Klopp’s men went on to win the title.

Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said the club is hungry for success on the European stage.

“At the moment, there’s total desire in the team, and all credit for that,” Schweinsteiger said.

“We have to make the most of our good position in the Champions League on Tuesday thanks to victory in Marseille.”

Munich are within reaching distance of a rare home Champions League final appearance, as the venue for the decider has already been allocated to the Allianz Arena.

It is fair to say Bayern will already be thinking of playing Real Madrid – most likely – in the semi-finals of the competition, given Marseille have lost eight of their past nine matches in all competitions.

Five league losses, two defeats in the Champions League and a Coupe de France exit has seen Didier Deschamps’ side be robbed of any momentum heading into the latter stages of the season.

Marseille midfielder Alou Diarra, who is suspended for the leg in Germany, said Bayern’s elder statesmen led the way in the first-leg victory.

“You could say experience was the difference,” he said.

Diarra added that Marseille have no expectations of advancing into the final four.

“We have nothing left to lose,” Diarra said.

“It’s not mission impossible. We scored three in Dortmund in the group stage.

“Bayern drop very few points at home so it will take a big performance, but we know we have the ability to cause them problems.”

The winner of the Marseille-Bayern tie will take on the victor in the Real Madrid-APOEL Nicosia fixture, with the La Liga powerhouse favoured to progress at home after winning the opening away leg 3-0.

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