Ivica Olic's Hat Trick Sends Bayern Munich to Eighth Champions League Final

Croatian national Ivica Olic netted three goals as Bayern Munich defeated Lyon for the second time, and advanced to their first Champions League final since 2001.

Bayern Munich carried a 1-0 aggregate goal lead into the second leg of the semifinal, and the German squad never relinquished control.

Lyon looked to be in disarray from the onset of the match, as Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich barely missed the goal wide right with only the goalkeeper to beat, after a cross from Olic only two minutes in.

Olic fired home his first goal in the 26th minute, following a terrific cross from Robben.

Les Gones and Michel Bastos failed to finish scoring opportunities for Lyon, and the score at half remained 1-0 with the advantage going to Bayern Munich.

The Bayern Munich attack came out of the break intent on finishing strong and securing the victory.

Lyon's meager hopes were dashed when the club's captain Chris was sent off, after receiving two yellow cards from the referee in the 59th minute.

Shortly after Chris was sent off, Bayern Munich capitalized on the man advantage. Olic beat the on-side trap with a well-timed run, as Altintop sent a beautiful cross to Olic for his second goal in the 66th minute.

Olic completed his hat trick 10 minutes later, when Philipp Lahm sent in a cross that Olic directed past Hugo Lloris with a header.

Lyon's sound defeat is a big disappointment for the club. They fell one round short of their first appearance in the Champions League final.

Bayern Munich will take on either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the final in Madrid. The club is seeking their fifth Champions League trophy and their first since 2001.