The culmination of the European season, the Champions League Final will be decided this Saturday between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. The game is set to make history before the ball is even touched because it is the first time the final will be played on a Saturday and much to the joy of American soccer fans, will be broadcast live on network television (FOX).
Continue reading for more on the UEFA Champions League Final.
One of the most captivating aspects of the match will be the tactical battle pitting teacher versus student, as Louis Van Gaal will face his former Barcelona assistant Jose Mourinho. Both men have previously tasted Champions League glory, Van Gaal led Ajax to the cup in 1995 and Mourinho did the same with F.C. Porto in 2004. A victory on Saturday will put either man in illustrious company as only the third coach to win the Champions League with two different teams.
Players to watch
F.C. Internazionale Milano – Diego Milito has had a wonderful campain for Inter so far scoring 28 goals in all competitions. He scored key goals versus Chelsea and Barcelona during their Champions League run demonstrating his ability come through during critical matches. Look for Milito to feature up front along side Samuel Eto’o with Wesley Sneijder pulling the strings in midfield.
F.C. Bayern Munich – You can easily say that Bayern would not be in this position without the exploits of Dutch wizard Arjen Robben and the timely goals of Ivica Olic. Robben’s magnificent strike against Manchester United during the Quarterfinals was probably the goal of the tournament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP6VBXuO_1I&feature=related) and he will be looking to put his mark on the match every time he touches the ball. Olic seemed to score at the most opportune moments all tournament long and he look to run rampant on Saturday.
Prediction
The slight advantage has to go to Inter since they knocked off favorites Chelsea and Barcelona on their way to the final. Mourinho’s side also has the deeper bench and will look to take control in the latter stages of the match. Bayern will come out firing in the early stages but Inter will look to hold off and counter. In the end, I see Inter coming out on top 2 -1 in highly contested, well fought match.