Bayern Munich's UEFA Cup semi-final ended Thursday, April 24, in a 1-1 draw after defender Lucio headed the ball past his own goal keeper Oliver Kahn.
An 18th minute penalty by French international Franck Ribery had put the Germans ahead, before Lucio's errant header conceded a crucial away goal for Zenit St Petersburg ahead of next week's rematch in Russia.
Striker Lukas Podolski failed to convert an opportunity to turn the match into a home win in the 90th minute, sending his shot wide of the post.
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After the drama of Luca Toni's equalizer in the 120th minute of the quarter-finals against Getafe CF, the Germans had wanted to avoid toiling long and hard against resilient Russian opposition. Bayern must now score at least once in next week's St Petersburg match to keep their dreams of a second UEFA Cup alive.
The team clearly missed Toni's presence and goal-scoring prowess against St. Petersburg. The Italian, who was suspended from Thursday's match, leads the UEFA tournament's goal scoring list with 10 goals. He's scheduled to be back on the pitch next week when Bayern travel to Russia.
But Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld may have other roster problems in the series' second leg.
Munich striker and German international Miroslav Klose is a doubt after breaking his nose near the end of the game. Veteran goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who's set to retire at the end of the season, is also a possible casualty. He'll sit out this weekend's Bundesliga match to allow a thigh injury to heal in time for next week's game.
(Deutsche Welle)
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