© EuroFootball.com
On Saturday in Germany, the winner of the UEFA Champions League will be decided, with either Munich's "Bayern" or London's "Chelsea" coming out on top.
Munich's "Bayern" - London's "Chelsea" Stadium: "Allianz Arena", Munich (Germany) Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Start: 21.45 (Lithuanian time) Broadcast: TV6 (from 21.35), "Viasat Sport Baltic" (from 21.00)
As the UEFA Champions League final approaches, Munich's "Bayern" enjoys several advantages over London's "Chelsea" club.
Firstly, the German team will play the decisive match at home - in Munich's "Allianz" arena, where they rarely lose. Secondly, "Bayern" has won the predecessor of the Champions League, the European Cup, three times in a row, triumphing in the modern tournament in 2001 when they defeated "Valencia" 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Thirdly, "Chelsea" has never won the most prestigious club football tournament on the Old Continent, although in 2008 they were one step away from the trophy - John Terry missed a penalty that could have made them champions.
About this, coach Roberto Di Matteo has already spoken with "Chelsea" owner Roman Abramovich: "Of course, we have talked about this defeat. Now there is another opportunity that we must take advantage of."
The Italian added that "Bayern's" loss in the German Cup final to Dortmund's "Borussia" with a score of 2-5 is not significant.
"I know that many speculate about the outcome of this match, but one cannot judge a team based on a single game," the specialist said. "The opponents have a fantastic team and players, so a tough fight awaits. Nothing else can be expected in the Champions League final."
Terry, who missed the crucial penalty on Saturday evening, will not be on the field as he is suspended, but in case of victory, he will lift the trophy alongside his teammates. Defenders Branislav Ivanovic and midfielders Ramires and Raul Meireles are also disqualified, while Florent Malouda awaits a medical verdict.
However, Di Matteo has also received some good news - two central defenders, Gary Cahill and David Luiz, who have had health problems, can train.
Meanwhile, Bayern's coach Jupp Heynckes did not spare praise for the opponents: "I watched the semifinal against Barcelona and was not surprised that the London team won. It has always been difficult for Catalans to play against a London club. The fact that Barcelona lacked their usual freshness and Lionel Messi did not show his usual game does not diminish Chelsea's merit.
"They are a strong team, and I am particularly impressed by Di Matteo's work. He looks very calm next to the field, controlling everything. This shows that the team is united and aiming for a common goal. It is his psychological victory because we have not seen this before."
In Bayern's ranks, defenders David Alaba, Holger Badstuber, and midfielder Luiz Gustavo will be missing due to yellow cards.
Possible starting lineups:
"Bayern": Manuel Neuer; Diego Contento, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Jerome Boateng, Philipp Lahm; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Tony Kroos; Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben; Mario Gomez;
"Chelsea": Petr Cech; Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Jose Bosingwa; Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien; Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba, Juan Mata;"
