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It’s European club football’s night of nights as Bayern Munich host Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4.45am AEST.
Not many expected to see Bayern and Chelsea contesting this year’s Champions League decider, especially with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona still alive at the semi-final stage.
But the two semi-finals were turned on their heads, as Bayern upset Madrid in a penalty shoot-out and Chelsea drew 2-all against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea’s draw against Barcelona was more remarkable given that they managed to score two goals despite being a man down for over 45 minutes.
Captain John Terry was sent off for kneeing Alexis Sanchez in the back, but it mattered little in the end as Chelsea still managed to secure a remarkable victory against the reigning Champions League winners.
Chelsea’s win against Barcelona however did come at a price, with four of their best players to sit out the final due to suspension.
Key players Raul Meireles, Ramires, Terry and Branislav Ivanovic were all booked against Barcelona and will not play against Bayern.
Bayern however are also missing key players to suspension, with Luis Gustavo, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba all unavailable for the final.
Prediction
Although both teams will be missing several key players for the final, Bayern still have the advantage given that they are at home.
Bayern have won all their home games in the Champions League this season, including a terrific 2-1 win against title fancies Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Against Madrid, Bayern dominated their La Liga counterparts due in part to the speed and creativity of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Toni Kroos.
Throw in prolific goal scorer Mario Gomez, who has scored 13 goals in the Champions League this season, and Bayern should rightfully fancy their chances of penetrating Chelsea’s defence.
The key problem for Chelsea tonight surrounds the fact that three of their best defensive players will not be taking their part in the final.
Terry, Ramires and Ivanovic were all outstanding against Barcelona as they effectively nullified the threat of superstar trio Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Ramires in particular had quickly established himself as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders over the course of the tie, setting up Didier Drogba’s goal in the first leg before scoring himself at Camp Nou.
Ramires’ ability to win and distribute possession, particularly on the counter attack, will be sorely missed by Chelsea tonight.
However, Chelsea still possess firepower of their own, with Drogba and Torres very capable of punishing Bayern if the home side push up too much in attack.
Against Barcelona, Drogba and Torres both scored goals playing on the counter attack so expect Chelsea to defend deep yet again in the hope of frustrating Bayern into error.
As is the case in every Champions League final, expect this contest to remain close well into the second half.
But Bayern are at home and with Chelsea missing such acclaimed defenders, the hosts should have enough firepower to secure their fifth Champions League title.
Bayern to win 2 nil.
It all comes down this. Can Chelsea lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history or will it be another title for the European superpower from Bavaria? Find out as we cover the action with live scores and commentary from 4.45am AEST and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.