This year's Champions league final will be contested hotly between the high flying Chelsea and the always dangerous Bayern Munich.
The chance of an English team making it to the finals looked slim when United and City crashed miraculously out of the Champions league group stages. Although, the English batten was carried by the London clubs -Arsenal and Chelsea, none would have predicted that one of these two would reach the finals in the presence of the Spanish powerhouses- Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Having built an almost unbeatable team, Real and Barca were the favourites to make it to the finals only to be stopped by the teams currently in the finals. Chelsea stopped Barcelona's road to the finals and Bayern put a halt to the La liga champions- Madrid. Los Blancos' loss to Bayern Munich in the semi finals meant that Jose Mourinho would have to wait to be the first manager to taste three champions league victories with three different clubs.
CHELSEA
"Player power". Two words best fit to describe the Chelsea football club. Having changed 5 managers since the departure of the 'special one', Chelsea are a club known to be run by the players rather than the manager. Responsible for booting Andre Vilas Boas, Terry and Co. have had a mixed season so far. Chelsea have played some exhilarating football in the cup competitions, but have had a dismal season in the league.
Chelsea's road to the finals was given a stern test when they had lost out to Napoli in their first leg round of 16 clash at the Naples. Their come from behind victory in the 2nd leg surprised everyone and showed the class the blues possess. The long forgotten hero-Drogba suddenly sprang into life and their began the resurrection of Chelsea's season. Having gleefully accepted Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager Chelsea played their best football of the season. They faced a huge road-block in the form of Barcelona in the semi finals.
Messi had reportedly said that he hates Chelsea more than he hates Madrid. This proved the fact that Barcelona were not going to take this easy. Moreover, Chelsea's heartbreaking loss to Barcelona in 2009 meant that Chelsea had a point to prove.
A torrid semi final saw Chlesea come out as surprise but well-deserved victors against a strong Barcelona side winning the 1st leg 1-0 and drawing the next 2-2 making the aggregate 3-2.
STRENGTHS:
The return of Torres on the score sheet has added yet another weapon in the Chelsea armory. Didier Drogba has suddenly found his best form in Chelsea colours and with rumours that this might be his last Chelsea season, he may want to win it more.
WEAKNESS:
The victory against Barcelona came at the expense of losing John Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles due to suspensions. The Chelsea back line looks brittle with David Luiz and Gary Cahill also doubtful to start with hamstring injuries.
IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
Chelsea need this title more than their counterparts. Sealing a win in the finals would give them an opportunity to play in the Champions league next season, a priveledge which cannot be obtained due their league position. Moreover this would be the first European success for the blues.
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich have ruled over the German league since a very long time. But since the last 2 years their reign is under jeopardy as Borussia Dortmund have tormented for a 1st place finish. Having scored a record 81 points, Borussia have snatched the crown from the German giants.
Munich too faced great hardships in their road to the finals right from the group stages. Known as the group of death Bayern did well to top the group which had Napoli, Manchester City and Vilarreal. Bayern faced a tough draw in the form of Real Madrid but overcame them on penalties as both legs had finished with the same scoreline 2-1.
Their league form has too been quite good but has been overshadowed by Dortmund's exciting football. Bayern's confidence too must have shattered due to their recent 5-2 loss in the German cup against Borussia Dortmund.
STRENGTHS:
"Super Mario" Gomez has hit the ground running this season. Bayern who normally rely on goals from Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, have been added with extra impetus due the tall figure of Mario Gomez. The prolific striker has banged in 12 Champions league already this season and would look to add more to his tally. The good thing for Bayern is that they still have Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben fit and ready to play.
WEAKNESS:
Ribery and Robben have not fired on all cylinders this season and this has added an extra pressure on Mario Gomez. Off-form Bastian Schweinsteiger has too failed to make a full comeback after his injury. If Mario Gomez fails to score then the attack could lack strength.
IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
A win would end what could well be a trophyless season for Bayern Munich. Moreover, this would give them a great momentum going into the next season.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
P.S- This article is dedicated to my friend Ameya Jayekar, Yogesh Singh and Shanko. No pictures or write ups have been taken from any kind of news site.
CHELSEA
"Player power". Two words best fit to describe the Chelsea football club. Having changed 5 managers since the departure of the 'special one', Chelsea are a club known to be run by the players rather than the manager. Responsible for booting Andre Vilas Boas, Terry and Co. have had a mixed season so far. Chelsea have played some exhilarating football in the cup competitions, but have had a dismal season in the league.
Chelsea's road to the finals was given a stern test when they had lost out to Napoli in their first leg round of 16 clash at the Naples. Their come from behind victory in the 2nd leg surprised everyone and showed the class the blues possess. The long forgotten hero-Drogba suddenly sprang into life and their began the resurrection of Chelsea's season. Having gleefully accepted Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager Chelsea played their best football of the season. They faced a huge road-block in the form of Barcelona in the semi finals.
Messi had reportedly said that he hates Chelsea more than he hates Madrid. This proved the fact that Barcelona were not going to take this easy. Moreover, Chelsea's heartbreaking loss to Barcelona in 2009 meant that Chelsea had a point to prove.
A torrid semi final saw Chlesea come out as surprise but well-deserved victors against a strong Barcelona side winning the 1st leg 1-0 and drawing the next 2-2 making the aggregate 3-2.
STRENGTHS:
The return of Torres on the score sheet has added yet another weapon in the Chelsea armory. Didier Drogba has suddenly found his best form in Chelsea colours and with rumours that this might be his last Chelsea season, he may want to win it more.
WEAKNESS:
The victory against Barcelona came at the expense of losing John Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles due to suspensions. The Chelsea back line looks brittle with David Luiz and Gary Cahill also doubtful to start with hamstring injuries.
IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
Chelsea need this title more than their counterparts. Sealing a win in the finals would give them an opportunity to play in the Champions league next season, a priveledge which cannot be obtained due their league position. Moreover this would be the first European success for the blues.
BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich have ruled over the German league since a very long time. But since the last 2 years their reign is under jeopardy as Borussia Dortmund have tormented for a 1st place finish. Having scored a record 81 points, Borussia have snatched the crown from the German giants.
Munich too faced great hardships in their road to the finals right from the group stages. Known as the group of death Bayern did well to top the group which had Napoli, Manchester City and Vilarreal. Bayern faced a tough draw in the form of Real Madrid but overcame them on penalties as both legs had finished with the same scoreline 2-1.
Their league form has too been quite good but has been overshadowed by Dortmund's exciting football. Bayern's confidence too must have shattered due to their recent 5-2 loss in the German cup against Borussia Dortmund.
STRENGTHS:
"Super Mario" Gomez has hit the ground running this season. Bayern who normally rely on goals from Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, have been added with extra impetus due the tall figure of Mario Gomez. The prolific striker has banged in 12 Champions league already this season and would look to add more to his tally. The good thing for Bayern is that they still have Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben fit and ready to play.
WEAKNESS:
Ribery and Robben have not fired on all cylinders this season and this has added an extra pressure on Mario Gomez. Off-form Bastian Schweinsteiger has too failed to make a full comeback after his injury. If Mario Gomez fails to score then the attack could lack strength.
IMPORTANCE OF A WIN:
A win would end what could well be a trophyless season for Bayern Munich. Moreover, this would give them a great momentum going into the next season.
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
P.S- This article is dedicated to my friend Ameya Jayekar, Yogesh Singh and Shanko. No pictures or write ups have been taken from any kind of news site.
Robben and Ribery and Gomez are the only ones that have fired :P if they fail Bayen are gonna get man handeled by chelsea ! but very well written :)
ReplyDeleteGOOD...
ReplyDelete