Doha (AFP)

Bayern Munich experienced a setback before arriving in Qatar, but the German giant, opposed on Monday to the Egyptians of Al Ahly in the semifinals, remains the big favorite of the World Club, where André's Tigers -Pierre Gignac will challenge the Brazilians of Palmeiras on Sunday (7:00 p.m.).

Winner of Hertha Berlin (1-0) Friday night in the snow in the German capital for the 20th day of the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich reached Doha on Saturday, two days before its semi-final against the Egyptians Al Ahly , after being stranded for seven hours at Berlin Airport.

As the de-icing operations of the plane were delayed, the air traffic controllers did not allow the Bavarian plane to take off, to respect a flight ban which applies from 00:00 to 07:00.

"We have the impression that the competent authorities have made fun of us. Those responsible have no idea what they have done to our team," said Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the club boss.

Even before this setback, players and managers were aware that what awaited them in Qatar, with their hellish schedule, could be "complicated".

"Of course we want to give the best of ourselves. We will do everything to bring this title home," said Hasan Salihamidzic, the Bavarian club's sporting director.

Winner of five titles in 2020 - German Championship and Cup, Champions League, German and European Super Cups - Bayern is not satisfied.

"We are all aware that the sequence of matches is a hell of a challenge. But we absolutely want to win this sixth trophy (of the season). We want to make history. We gladly accept the fatigue linked to travel and the series of matches, "Bayern coach Hansi Flick explained.

For his striker Thomas Müller, "after winning the Champions League, we want to end in style and also offer ourselves this title".

Since the Germans won the Club World Cup in 2013, the competition has always been won by a European team.

Opponents of Bayern Munich on Monday (7:00 p.m.) in the semi-finals, the Egyptians of Al Ahly beat the Qataris of Al-Duhail 1-0 on Thursday in the quarter-finals.

This is the sixth time that Al Ahly has participated in this competition which brings together the winners of major club tournaments from the six FIFA confederations.

The first semi-final pits the Tigers against the Brazilian club Palmeiras on Sunday, favorite of this duel and winner of the Copa Libertadores.

André-Pierre Gignac allowed the Mexican team to reach the last four of the tournament with his double, beating the South Koreans of Ulsan Hyundai (2-1).

The French striker, who has played in Mexico since 2015, had already contributed to the Tigers' victory in the Concacaf Champions League final in December.

The 2020 edition of the Club World Cup, the final of which will take place on Thursday, had been postponed from December to February due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The program (French hours):

.

Semi-finals, Sunday and Monday

Sunday

(7:00 p.m.) Tigers (MEX) - Palmeiras (BRA)

On Monday

(7:00 p.m.) Al Ahly (EGY) - Bayern Munich (GER).

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Final, Thursday

(4:00 p.m.) Match for 3rd place

(19h00) Final

© 2021 AFP