Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan: Champions League Final Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer), Predictions, Previews

Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan look to complete the treble this Saturday in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

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5/22 19:45 GMT Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich – Odds | Stats


The time has come for a new king of Europe to be crowned (king of football that is…). Scudetto and Coppa Italia winners Inter Milan face off against Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final this Saturday at the world famous El Bernabeu in Madrid. With both clubs having potential trebles at stake, the tie it that much more exciting as 2 of the world’s most storied clubs are set to duke it out on Europe’s biggest stage.


Bayern Munich:


I’m probably not alone when I say that Bayern Munich wasn’t exactly at the top of my list for teams to make the Champions League final at the beginning of the season. After failing to win a major trophy last year for the first time since the mid 90′s, it appeared that Bayern was gearing up for a little recession of their own. However, despite starting Louis van Gaal’s tenure off in a poor fashion (only 5 wins in their first 13 league fixtures), Bayern managed to turn the ship around and claim a German double in quite convincing fashion. Along with their terrific play at home, their dramatic performances in Champions League play are the true highlights of their dream season. First they had to overcome a fairly difficult group stage by defeating Juventus on the final matchday at Olimpico di Torino. In the round of 16 they were paired with another pesky Italian opponent in Fiorentina but managed to escape on away goals thanks to a 30+ meter wonder strike by this season’s MVP and perhaps transfer of the year, Arjen Robben. After that, Bayern had to face the ever so daunting task of taking on Manchester United in the quarterfinals. After a hard fought affair in the first leg at Allianz Arena, Ivica Olic provided the stoppage time winner that would take them into Old Trafford for the return leg with a slight advantage. Most people (myself included) saw this as playing right into the hands of Sir Alex and United and after watching them jump to an early lead via Nani, it looked like it had done just that. However, it was Robben yet again that scored possibly the goal of the season after volleying a Ribery corner into the lower left corner from outside the box and ultimately sending Bayern through to the semis on away goals. From there, they would handle Lyon with ease and book their trip to Madrid. Whether or not they can withstand the defensive powerhouse Inter Milan is still to be determined but at least they have made it here. Louis van Gaal has no inury concerns heading into the match, however, Franck Ribery will miss the match after being shown red in their final match against Lyon and having both of his appeals denied.


Inter Milan:


Mourinho, Mourinho, Mourinho. The “Special One” has done it again, leading Inter Milan to a 5th straight Scudetto championship and a berth in their first Champions League final since 1972. It’s no secret that Inter has struggled in recent years past in European play and to reach the final has to certianly be a relief to the Nerazurri faithful. However, with a treble at stake, just getting there will just not cut it, especially considering the opponents they had to go through in doing so. After making it through the groups stages with group mate Barcelona, Inter had to square off against the club many had pegged to win the crown this season, Chelsea. However, thanks in part to tactical mind games from the former Stamford Bridge boss, Mourinho and his squad were able to overcome the Blues 3-1 on aggregate. Inter would go on to then handle CSKA Moscow with relative ease in the quarterfinals, leading to an epic showdown with the defending champions, Barcelona. Despite falling behind early in the first leg 1-0, Inter fought back to claim an ever so important 3-1 victory at San Siro thanks to goals from Milito, Maicon, and wonder signing Wesley Sneijder. Protecting a lead and playing a man down after Thiago Motta was shown red, Mourinho deployed a very defensive game plan at Camp Nou which turned out to be just enough to put Inter through to the finals. Not to say they were widely applauded for their “lack of style” or “parking a bus in front of the goal” but nonetheless, it was the Nerazurri that would be going to the finals. The only injury concern is Wesley Sneijder after the midfielder went off with an injury in their final league match against Siena but in a match of this stature, I wouldn’t expect the Dutchman to miss out.

Does Robben have any magic left in his Champions League bag of tricks?

What to Watch For: Sneijder vs Robben


The 2 Dutchmen, who are both soon to star next to each other in this summer’s World Cup for the Netherlands, have been the led the attacks for both of their squads all season. It’s hard to imagine that either of these clubs would be in this final without these two. The funny part is that they were both sold by Real Madrid this transfer season as they geared up to make their record signings in Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká. Considering the fashion in which they were dismissed, I’m sure these two can agree they’ve had the last laugh. Let’s just hope both can come out of this game unscathed because it is going to be fun to watch them in June.


Prediction:


On paper, Inter Milan is clearly the better team. They are as consistent as you can get and a true defensive force to reckoned with as they showed against Barca. However, Robben and Bayern have not ceased to amaze me in their epic run to the final. I officially jumped on board after their epic come from behind victory at Old Trafford and to go against them here is truly not easy to do. But there is one X-Factor that stands out for me and as long as he’s in the picture, I can’t go against them. Jose Mourinho will continue to dazzle us as he becomes the youngest coach to ever win 2 Champions League titles at the ripe old age of 47.


Pick:


Inter Milan 3 – 2 Bayern Munich


Bet of the Match:


Inter Milan at 2.40 from Interwetten