Champions League Final Preview

Tomorrow marks a important day in European day; Bayern Munich, German giants and superclub, squares off against Borussia Dortmund, underdogs and cross-country rivals. It almost certainly marks the rise of German soccer as the best league in the world, replacing La Liga and the Barclays Premier League. It also marks the return of Munich, finalists for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. Dortmund is in just its 2nd final ever, hoping to defeat their hated rivals. To make the game even bigger, Dortmund's starlet and Germany's "Lionel Messi," Mario Gotze, announced several weeks ago that he would be leaving Dortmund for none other than Munich; Gotze will not be playing in the final, due to a convenient "hamstring tear," but the game will still be a tense one.

With Gotze out, the focus of Bayern Munich's defense and Dortmund's offense will turn to the Polish Wonder, Robert Lewandowski. With his 4 goal display against Real Madrid several weeks ago, Lewandowski catapulted himself into the focus of every major European club, with Man U rumored to want him. The Polish striker will be the center of the game, most likely, with Munich doing what ever they can to stop him, and Dortmund hoping that he can pull off another game like the Madrid one. Dortmund will also hope midfielder Marco Reus can replace Gotze. Just a year ago, Reus made major news by choosing to move to Dortmund instead of Munich, bucking the trend of most great, young German players. Reus will now look to boss the game in midfield. In the back, star Mats Hummels will anchor Dortmund's back line. He will certainly have a task on his hands, given the potency of Munich's attack. With Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery coming down the wings, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Thomas Muller down the middle and Mario Gomez or Mario Mandzukic in front, the Bavarian's are the most dangerous attack in Europe this year. They hog possession, press hard and fast, and score lots of goals; sounds a little like Barcelona huh? Bayern's coach, Jepp Heynecks, will leave after this game, to be replaced by Barca's old coach, Pep Guardiola. Heyneckes will surely want to win a final after having missed out twice; but I don't think it will happen for that very reason. Munich has been in the UCL Final twice and have lost out both times, once to Jose Mourhino's treble winning Inter side, and last year, at home, to Chelsea, on penalties. Though that may be even more motivation to win, I am unconvinced this Munich side is a big time team. I put my faith in Dortmund; they win 2-1 in a tight, tense and testy game.