12 May 2010

Bayern Munich have chopper on standby for Champions league final

7:10 am on 12 May 2010

The German football club Bayern Munich will commandeer a helicopter if volcanic ash keeps them from flying to Madrid for the Champions League Final.

A club spokesman says without trying to spread panic, they will make every arrangement and will be prepared.

Some Spanish airports were closed today due to the return of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland that paralysed air travel last month. Munich airport was also closed temporarily on Monday.

Louis van Gaal's side, crowned German champions on Sunday for the 22nd time, are eyeing an historic treble of league, domestic cup and Champions League.

Standing in their way are Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan, which pulled off a stunning semi-final win over much-fancied Barcelona.

Bayern are without French international midfield star Franck Ribery, who had a three-game ban slapped on him after he was sent off in their semi-final first leg clash with Lyon.