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Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will face off in the Champions League final at Wembley, as the European football season finally draws to a close in the wee hours of Sunday morning in Australia. Join us from 4.45am AEST for all the action.
A grudge match if ever there was one, this all-Bundesliga affair will ensure that the European Cup heads to Germany for the first time in 12 years, when Bayern beat Valencia back in the 2001 final.
These two collectively embarrassed their Spanish opponents in the semi-finals, effectively killing off the ties in the first leg as Dortmund toppled Real Madrid 4-1 and Bayern dismantled Barcelona 4-0.
Adding fuel to the fire is the recent news that Dortmund wonderkid Mario Gotze, who had been with the club since the age of nine, would be joining Bayern in the summer.
It’s probably for the best that he’ll miss the final through injury, as any part he would have played would’ve been bittersweet for both fan-bases.
The rumours are strong that four-goal hero Robert Lewandowski will join Gotze in jumping ship, but for the sake of a competitive Bundesliga, let’s hope not.
But on to the game itself. Dortmund have won five of the last ten, with two draws and have outscored their rivals 17 goals to 10 in that time span.
Although clearly second best in the league this season and on the wrong end of a 1-0 loss in the German Cup, BVB will fancy themselves in this one.
Key threes
Dortmund
Robert Lewandowski
The Polish marksman may well be on his way out, but he certainly knows how to find the net regardless.
Aside from his four against Real Madrid, he’s bagged 35 goals in the black and yellow in all campaigns this season, and is as good a bet as any to blow this game wide open.
Marco Reus
The natural successor to Gotze – although a more physically gifted player the technically masterful number 10 he’ll be replacing, there’s no doubting Reus’ importance to this team.
Played most of the year out wide but will be integral in this one.
Lukasz Piszczek
With wingers the quality of Bayern’s, fullback play will be vital for Piszczek and Marcel Schmelzer on the other side of the pitch.
Another Pole, Piszczek loves to get forward and has been involved in 12 goals this season. (two goals, 10 assists)
Bayern
Arjen Robben
The man most culpable for that disappointment in their home stadium 12 months ago as Chelsea claimed victory, Robben was criticised by many for his selfish play and of course, his penalty miss in extra time.
But when he’s on he’s one of the best in the world to watch, and I daresay he won’t turn in a torrid performance in two consecutive finals.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
The Engine of Munich, who’s tenacity in midfield is vital for the possession football that Bayern love to play.
A quick distributor, a great tactician and the man I believe is the best central midfielder on earth.
Another who will be looking for redemption, as he missed the vital spot kick in the shootout last year.
Manuel Neuer
Much maligned by the Bayern fans since his move from rivals Schalke, he’s evolved his game to the point where you would have to say he’s the best goalkeeper going around at the moment – or at least in the top three.
And Dortmund sure love to shoot, so he’d best be in fine touch.
It’s difficult to see this being a dull, low scoring affair, as games between these two rarely are. To play your biggest rivals on the biggest stage there is, is truly a once in a lifetime thing.
And I’m sure neither side will be given an inch by their opponents.
Prediction: Dortmund 3-2 in a classic.
Join us just before 4.45am AEST for all the line-ups, team news and formations.
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