Bayern Munich seek to end a decade of frustration when they face Dynamo Kiev tonight for a place in the Champions League final.
"This is the most important game for us in 10 years, even more important than the final itself, if we get there," said Bayern manager Uli Hoeness, whose men are firmly in the driving seat after snatching a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Kiev.
Bayern have collected plenty of domestic titles over the past few years and won the UEFA Cup in 1996, but success in Europe's showcase competition has eluded them since the last of three successive triumphs in 1976.
"The European Cup is the most beautiful of all titles and the most difficult to win," said Lothar Matthaeus. "We want it. It is crucial for the club's image."
Standing between Bayern and their first final since 1987 (a 2-1 defeat by Porto in Vienna) are Dynamo, who have the most exciting pair of strikers in Europe this season in Andriy Shevchenko and Serhiy Rebrov.
The Ukrainians, still kicking themselves for letting a 3-1 lead slip at home, are confident Rebrov can shake off a knee injury which has bothered him for a month.
Bayern have worries of their own. French left back Bixente Lizarazu and Brazilian striker Elber have both torn knee ligaments and are unlikely to return before the end of the season.
Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who hurt a toe in a league match last week, has resumed training and will play.
PROBABLE TEAMS
BAYERN MUNICH: Kahn; Matthaeus, Babbel, Kuffour, Strunz, Jeremies, Effenberg, Tarnat, Basler, Jancker, Zickler.
DYNAMO KIEV: Shovkovsky; Luzhny, Golovko, Vashchyuk, Kaladze, Gusin, Khatskevich, Belkevich, Kosovsky, Shevchenko, Rebrov.
