Bayern Munich midfielder Mehmet Scholl could miss the Champions League final if UEFA decide television replays prove that he intentionally elbowed Real Madrid's Michel Salgado in last night's semi-final. Scholl was seen to catch defender Salgado in the face in the first half but referee Kim Moller Nielsen took no action.
UEFA's decision to ban Leeds' Lee Bowyer for three matches after replays showed that he had stamped on a Valencia player, shows that they are prepared to take action. UEFA spokesman Thomas Jiordano said: "We have to wait for the reports. If replays prove he is guilty we could take action." Scholl was already one booking away from a ban, and could now miss the final against Valencia if UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body take action.
Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque was unhappy with the performance of referee Kim Milton Nielsen but refused to comment further, saying, "It is necessary to leave it as it is: a soccer match with successes and mistakes by both players and referee." He paid tribute to Bayern after his side missed out on a repeat of last year's final when they beat Valencia. "I congratulate Bayern for their triumph," Del Bosque said. "With the game at 1-1, there were moments when we came close to scoring but Jens Jeremies' goal was the key. They were extraordinary in defence, with five men at the back who were difficult to get past."
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld says that his team's 2-1 home win was a "sensational performance." He said that he was not surprised that his team were capable of securing a place in the final against Valencia at the San Siro stadium in Milan on May 23. "My team put in a fantastic performance. And we are a team that can always score goals at home. We had plenty of chances to win by an even bigger margin," said Hitzfeld.
Club president and German legend Franz Beckenbauer said: "Any team that knocks out Manchester United and Real Madrid earns the right to be in the final." Bayern have a formidable home record, losing just three out of 74 home European Cup and Champions League games and they have never lost at home in the competition by more than one goal
First-half goals from Giovane Elber and Jeremies proved too much for Real, who replied through Luis Figo.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
