For the first time two German teams will contest the Champions League final, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund set to battle at Wembley on May 25. These two have been at loggerheads for domestic dominance in the Bundesliga for the last three years, and both have shown that they deserve their place in the final.
Bayern go into the game as favourites with Unibet, as the Allianz Arena outfit have shown incredible form and performances, both in Germany and on the continent. Jupp Heynckesí men have looked unstoppable at times this season, with the 7-0 aggregate win over Barcelona in the semi-finals the standout performance of the campaign.
The attacking potential of Bayern is considerable, with Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Franck Ribery the men to create the chances, and Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez the ones to finish them. Bayernís traditional toughness at the back has also been apparent this term too; Die Roten have only conceded 15 goals in the Bundesliga this term, an incredible feat.
With Pep Guardiola and Mario Gotze heading to Bavaria next season, this could be the first of many successful campaigns for Bayern. They also still have the chance to sew up a momentous treble this season also.
Borussia Dortmund have relinquished their Bundesliga title to their rivals, after dominating German football for the two years prior. Despite this, Jurgen Kloppís men have lifted their game on the continent, and are good value for their place in the final.
Dortmund overcame the ëgroup of deathí, eliminating Englsih powerhouses Manchester City in the process, and an emphatic 4-1 win over Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park in the first leg of their semi-final showed the ability of some of their young stars. With goal machine Robert Lewandowski, Gotze and Marco Reus in their forward line, Dortmund have the quality to break down a stubborn Bayern backline.
This may well be the pinnacle of the current Dortmund teamís experience, as personnel changes are expected at the club this summer. Gotze has already stated his intention to leave, and Lewandowski is in the last year of his contract and wanted by some of Europeís biggest clubs. New faces can be expected as replacements.
The key to this Champions League final may well be in the midfield, with impressive Dortmund duo Ilkay Gundogan and Lars Bender going head-to-head with the more-experienced Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Dortmund centre backs Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels can expect to be busy as well.
This is a game that could go either way. Bayern deserve their favourite tags, but Dortmund have shown in games against the Bavarians over the last three seasons that they have the ability to prevail. It should be an attacking game, and hopefully an excellent spectacle.
Very good review. An all Germans final. Bayern holds the favorite Tags due to experience especially the UCL final loss to Inter Milan and last year UCL final defeat to Chelsea. They will never like to happen that again. The whole resistance of Borussia Dortmund depends upon Mario Gotze (who has almost signed for Munich) whether he is affected by the probable move to Bayern Munich, or not. It will be last game of Gotze in yellow and black shirt before being Red for a long time, and to be more bitter, he is fighting with time to recover from a thigh injury.
Bayern Munich player to watch: Ribery: Although he is mostly difficult to watch due to his speedy runs on the wing, he stands the most influential player for Bayern. He keeps the opposition defense on defense and produces wonderful crosses. Schewansteiger will be at his best, Lahm proving his leadership, no matter who starts Mandzukic or Gomez, the key to win resides in Ribery.
Borussia Dortmand player to watch: Gotze/Reus: If Gotze starts and controls his nerves, he will make the difference. Otherwise Marcos Reus will be player to watch in the game. His pace, vision and dribbles inside the area will be key to BVB attacking part. Can he keep Martinez and Lahm busy in defence? Although Lewandowski has scored more goals out of the two teams, but his chances will be limited against Bayern defence.
Head to Head: Both legs of Bundesliga between two ended in 1-1 draw. However, Bayern knocked out BVB from German Cup with 1-0 win.
Trivia: Who can hold the nerves best? Bayern coach Heynckes or Dortmund play maker Gotze. Both are playing last game for the club.
Prediction: Bayern Munich win 2-1 or 3-1.