It is the final of the “underdogs”. Because on March 16 Nyon's ballot box seemed to have paved the way for Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Spanish (and perhaps even UEFA) hadn't counted on Bayern Munich and Chelsea, who may not be the strongest teams in Europe, but they deserved the Dream of the Allianz Arena. In fact, for both of them this night represents the opportunity to crown a cycle, made up of many victories in the national arena and just as many disappointments in the European one.
The Champions then represents a real worry; the English have never won it and still have nightmares remembering the only final in their history (lost in Moscow in 2008 against Manchester United), when captain Terry slipped on the penalty spot thus missing the decisive penalty. The Germans, on the other hand, were better and luckier (they have 4 on their bulletin board), but they never digested the 2010 defeat against Josè Mourinho's Inter. They are undoubtedly the ones who have the most to lose, if only because the final is played at home, in the splendid setting of the Allianz Arena, which for one evening, thanks to a UEFA regulation which prevents the use of sponsors (unless they are his…), will go back to being called Futball Arena Munchen. A privilege enjoyed by few, which brought good luck twice (to Real Madrid, which beat Fiorentina at the Bernabeu in 1957 and to Inter in 1965, victorious at the San Siro against Benfica) and bad once (Roma collapsed on penalties against Liverpool in 1984).
"Playing in the Champions League final in your own stadium is something extraordinary. – said Bavarian coach Jupp Heynckes at the press conference. – And winning it would make us history. To do it, I have to convey trust to my parents, the important thing is to remain calm. We have to be humble and keep our nerves in order to play our best and win”. The German coach, already European champion in 1998 with Real Madrid, will have to do without important players such as Badstuber, Alaba and Luiz Gustavo and will therefore be forced to make some experiments, above all Tymoschuk, who will move from the usual role of midfielder in defence.
However, nothing compared to the somersaults that will be Roberto Di Matteo's turn, without Ramires, Meireles, Ivanovic and, above all, Captain Terry. Very heavy absences, consequences of the night of the Camp Nou which led the Blues to the final. A feat resulting from the defensive phase and experience, real specialties of the house (and never mind if the English turn up their noses). A winning recipe that Di Matteo has no intention of changing: “The chances of winning are 50/50. We will have to watch out for Ribery, Robben and Gomez, but our defense is very good. And then we have Peter Cech, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, who is in fantastic form. The secret to winning? We will have to remain humble and take advantage of the experience of the old guard".
Statements in line with the character, very pragmatic and not glamorous. That's why Roman Abramovich, however it goes tonight, won't confirm it for next season. The Russian tycoon, always on the hunt for top coaches, perfectly represents the paradox of football: a lot of money spent on coaches (from Mourinho to Scolari, from Ancelotti to Villas Boas) but only two finals in nine years, reached with two ferrymen like Avram Grant and, indeed, Di Matteo. Again this year things will not change (now the "whim" is Fabio Capello): experience usually helps to grow, but evidently the saying only applies to mere mortals.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Lahm, J. Boateng, Tymoschuk, Contento; Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Müller, Ribèry; Gomez.
On the bench: Butt, Usami, Riedmuller, Rafinha, Petersen, Pranjic, Olic.
Trainer: Jupp Heynckes.
Disqualified: Badstuber, Alaba, Luiz Gustavo.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bosingwa, Cahill, David Luiz, Ashley Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Malouda, Mata, Kalou; Drogba.
On the bench: Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira, Romeu, Essien, Lukaku, Sturridge, Torres.
Trainer: Robert DiMatteo.
Disqualified: Ramires, Meireles, Ivanovich, Terry.
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).
Assistants: Bertino Miranda – Ricardo Santos.
Port Assistants: Jorge Sousa – Duarte Gomes.
Fourth official: Carlos Velasco Carballo.
