AFTER THE SEMI-final draw back in April, many experts were predicting an El Clasico final at Wembley.
They couldn’t have been more wrong. Borussia Dortmund stormed to a 4-1 lead against Real Madrid in the first leg before progressing despite losing out to Jose Mourinho’s side a week later.
In the other tie, Barcelona were clinically dismantled to the point of embarrassment by Bayern Munich. A 4-0 thrashing was further added to in the second leg as Barca found themselves on the receiving end of the biggest ever aggregate defeat in a Champions League semi-final.
Now, for the first time in the competition’s history, two German clubs will contest the final.
Their records
Looking at results during this campaign, it is not surprising that Bayern have been tagged as favourites. This time last year, Dortmund recorded an incredible 5-2 victory over their rivals in the German Cup final. Added to their second consecutive Bundesliga title as part of a first ever double, it appeared as if the balance of power had shifted in favour of the Black and Yellows.
Since then, however, Bayern have come out on top in two of their four meetings with the other two ending in draws. They also romped home in the league – finishing an enormous 25 points ahead of runners-up Dortmund.
Past five meetings
- Dortmund 1-1 Bayern (Bundesliga)
- Bayern 1-0 Dortmund (German Cup)
- Bayern 1-1 Dortmund (Bundesliga)
- Bayern 2-1 Dortmund (German Cup)
- Dortmund 5-2 Bayern (German Cup final 2012)
Head to head:
- Total matches: 95
- Dortmund: 25
- Bayern Munich: 41
- Draw: 29
European history
Bayern have four European Cups to their name. The first three arrived back-to-back between 1973-1976 against Atletico Madrid, Leeds and St Etienne. After losing out to English opposition in ’82 (Aston Villa), they suffered their most heartbreaking moment in the club’s history when Manchester United miraculously scored twice in injury time in the ’99 final.
They didn’t have to wait much longer for number four, however, as they Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side defeated Valencia on penalties two years later.
Under the same manager, Dortmund shocked the continent in 1997 when, having knocked out Man United at the semi-final stage, they saw off holders Juventus in 1997. That was their only triumph in Europe and this will mark a second appearance in the competition’s final.
No of Champions League/European Cup wins:
- Bayern: 4
- Dortmund: 1
European hightlight:
Lars Ricken’s goal v Juventus in 1997: (warning: backing track is pretty awful)
YouTube credit: BVB09Hero
The penalty shootout with Valencia in 2001:
YouTube credit: Patrick H
The managers
Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund)
People have tried to reach Everest in the past and had to turn back with 10 metres to go, it could be the same for us but this is our chance,” said the 45-year-old.“No one is so good that they can be sure, Dortmund may reach other finals, whether I am part of the story, I don’t know. But we have to win the final, that is the only story I am interested in.”
Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich)
I’m sure I’ll be able to sleep soundly,” he said at his press conference yesterday. ”The match tomorrow has a different importance to a Bundesliga game or a German Cup game, but it’s a football match, with 11 players on each side.“Both teams are German and a German team will win. That’s what I’ll think about in bed tonight. I have nothing to worry about.”
Team news
Everyone has been talking about the fact that Mario Gotze is out. The 20-year-old playmaker will be absent due to a thigh injury meaning he has played his last game in the Dortmund colours as a move to Bayern awaits this summer.
They are boosted by news that influential centre-back Mats Hummels has been passed fit to play after shaking off an ankle injury, however.
Heynckes will have to plan without Toni Kroos and defender Holger Badstuber but does has a wealth of experience in reserve.
Probable starting lineups:
Borussia Dortmund (4-3-2-1): Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Bender, Grosskreutz, Błaszczykowski, Reus, Lewandowski.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer, Lahm, Boetang, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery, Mandzukic.
Top scorers in the Champions League this season
Dortmund - Robert Lewandowski (10)
Bayern - Thomas Muller (8)
Odds
- Dortmund 7/2
- Draw 13/5
- Bayern Munich 4/5
(Stats via Press Association. Additional reporting from AFP)
