“Scoring three in a match like that is outstanding, a dream,” the 30-year-old declared after the match, a look approaching bewilderment on his face. The former Hamburg striker is now on seven goals in the Champions League this term, a huge contribution to Munich’s thrilling progress to the final. Only eight-goal Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has scored more often.
“Maybe it’ll be the game of my life,” the Croat said hopefully before Tuesday’s clash. Following his beautifully-taken hat-trick – Italy hitman Alessandro del Piero is the only player to have previously accomplished the feat in a Champions League semi-final – Olic was a model of joy unconfined: “That was the greatest day of my life.” With a bit of luck, the 22nd of May in Madrid might yet put that in the shade.
Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic has been worth as much as any player in Europe this season. Funny, especially considering he cost Bayern absolutely nothing.
In an offseason that included Cristiano Ronaldo's insane $132 million move to Real Madrid from Manchester United, Olic's free transfer from Hamburg doesn't exactly draw too much attention.
It's hard to overlook anymore.
Considered to be merely a backup when Bayern signed him to a three-year deal, Olic earned a starting role under Louis van Gaal and led his new club to the Champions League final.
Olic, who pushed $40 million signing Mario Gomez to the bench at Bayern, has 17 goals in all competitions - including three in Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Lyon in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals in France.
"I'm determined to reach the final but we still have a lot of work to do," Olic said before the second leg of the semifinals, which Bayern captured on aggregate 4-0 to advance to its first final since 2001.
"I for one will be giving my all."
That's all he's done since arriving in Munich.
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