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This is an archive article published on May 1, 2008

Bumpy ride for Bayern?

Zenit St Petersburg hope their worn-out pitch will help them reach a first European final by upsetting favourites Bayern...

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Zenit St Petersburg hope their worn-out pitch will help them reach a first European final by upsetting favourites Bayern Munich in the return leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final on Thursday, after last week8217;s 1-1 draw in Munich.

Fiorentina are at home to Rangers in the other semi-final.

Zenit8217;s pitch has been in such bad condition since the season8217;s start in March that league officials considered banning the stadium, but gave a reprieve after repairs were promised.

Bayern moved to within a whisker of clinching their 21st Bundesliga title with a 4-1 win over VfB Stuttgart on Sunday, and are in top form. They also welcome striker Luca Toni back from suspension. The Italian is the competition8217;s top scorer with 10 goals. Captain Oliver Kahn and defender Philipp Lahm missed out against Stuttgart but returned to training on Monday, leaving Otto Hitzfeld with a near full strength squad available.

 

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