UEFA Champions League Final: Chelsea Vs Bayern Munich

A rivalry will form when European giants Chelsea and Bayern Munich face off in the 2011/2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

The teams were considered underdogs in their semi-final legs against Barcelona and Real Madrid, but heading in to the final, a home advantage grants Bayern favouritism for the title.

Only once have the teams clashed in the past, with Chelsea progressing from the quarter final in 2005, with a mere 1-0 victory (6-5) on aggregate.

John Terry, Peter Cech, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard from Chelsea, and only Bastian Schweinsteiger representing Bayern, remain from the 2005 clash, revealing the past is no result to influence the 2012 clash.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea both faced tough opposition in the build up, defeating heavily favoured Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Barcelona are currently the defending champions of the Champions League, and Real Madrid are the most successful club ever within its glory, claiming a total of nine titles.

Heading into the final, Bayern overcame competition from Basel, Marseille and Real Madrid, while Chelsea defeated Napoli, Benfica and lastly, the favourites, Barcelona.

Bayern Munich will be missing Badstuber, Gustavo and Alaba after conceding three yellow cards a piece in the earlier rounds of the Champions League.

Despite Bayern’s unofficial request to have the suspensions wavered, the UEFA governing body has made it clear that the suspensions will be upheld.

Chelsea see themselves in the same position as their German counterparts, with Ramires, Ivanovic, John Terry and Raul Meireiles, also sitting out as a result of suspension.

Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich said: “Chelsea are also a great team, one game to decide it, it’s a knockout game and anything can happen, so we must be careful.”

Neuer is wary of Chelsea’s recent form, qualifying for two cup finals, the FA Cup against Liverpool and the Champions League, in conjunction with toppling the league favourites Barcelona.

Despite success on an international scale, on the home front, Chelsea are predicted to finish sixth behind Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle, and Bayern are unable to catch Dortmund for the Bundesliga title, the UEFA Champions League Final is primarily a tale of the underdogs.

As Chelsea look likely of failing to reach the top four within the English Premier League with two rounds remaining, a win over Bayern Munich will consolidate a position in the Champions League for the 2012/13 season, knocking out the fourth-placed EPL team.

Chelsea will be putting everything they have got into the final against Bayern to make sure they will have a chance to play European football next season, and one team will come up trumps to finish the regular seasons on a high note.

The UEFA Champions League Final will be played on the 19th of May, 2012 at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

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FA Cup Final: Chelsea Vs Liverpool (2-1)

Chelsea's remarkable turnaround since Roberto Di Matteo took over as interim coach has taken it to the brink of a cup double after it beat a disappointing Liverpool side 2-1 with goals from Ramires and Didier Drogba on Saturday.
Its victory at Wembley Stadium in a match it dominated for the first hour keeps the London side's momentum going for what could be an even greater triumph in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in two weeks' time.
A season that seemed des-tined to end in failure under coach Andre Villas-Boas could now finish as the most successful in the club's history if it becomes European champion.
Andy Carroll's 64th minute strike for Liverpool brought the game to life for the last half-an-hour after Chelsea appeared to be coasting to a seventh FA Cup success and its fourth in six seasons but Di Matteo's side hung on to claim the spoils.
The club's campaign has been transformed under Di Matteo - who never lost at Wembley as a player - with just two defeats in 18 matches although he is still only their caretaker boss.
"I'm fortunate enough to have played for the club and won the trophy and today I led the players out . . . not many people get that chance," said a beaming Di Matteo.
This victory and another against Bayern in Munich on May 19 would make it seem almost impossible for Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich to give the job to anyone else although with Chelsea, as ever, the future is uncertain.
The stakes are high because if Chelsea do not win the Champions League it might miss out on playing in the competition altogether next season since it looks likely to finish outside of the top four in the Premier League.
Italian Di Matteo, an FA Cup winner as a player with Chelsea in 1997 and 2000, celebrated an ultimately nail-biting win on the pitch with his team who have rediscovered their self-belief and confidence since he took over.
However, he refused to be drawn on his future, telling reporters: "It is not an issue. I am very pleased with my position until the end of the season and then we will make a decision that is best for the club and we will all respect it."
He graciously added: "AVB should get some credit as he started our run in the FA Cup."


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UEFA Champions League Final Odds Preview: helsea FC vs. FC Bayern Munich

So it all comes down to this.

What most fans, oddsmakers and soccer experts thought would be an all-Spanish, Barcelona-Real Madrid final ended up being a surprise matchup between the now sixth-place team in the English Premier League and the second-place team in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Here are all the particulars and opening odds from the LVH SuperBook here in Las Vegas for the match that will determine this year's European champion:

What: UEFA Champions League final
Who: Chelsea FC vs. FC Bayern Munich
Where: Fußball Arena München, Munich, Germany
When: Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT/20:45 p.m. (Munich)
Television: FOX 
Radio: SiriusXM

LVH SuperBook Odds (To Win Outright): Bayern Munich -240, Chelsea +200
LVH SuperBook (90 Mins + Injury Time): Chelsea +½ +125, Bayern Munich -½ -145
Total: Over 2½ -105, Under 2½ -115
LVH SuperBook Odds (3-way Result): Chelsea +425, Bayern Munich -145, Draw +270

Both clubs arrive at this game coming off big upsets in the semifinal round with Chelsea ousting Barcelona (3-2 aggregate) and Bayern Munich eliminating Real Madrid (3-3 aggregate, 3-1 penalty kicks). Both did so in matches held on the road in Spain.

Who will win the UEFA Champions League Final?

Chelsea FCFC Bayern MunichI don't knowSubmit Vote vote to see results

And anyone betting on either the team from Germany (+375, Sportsbook.com) or England (+650) in the “Which Country Will Win UEFA Champions League?” proposition bet or the “Name the Finalists” prop (Chelsea-Bayern Munich +400) can give themselves a big pat on the back right about now for fading the two talented sides from La Liga.

Besides the obvious prestige and the chance to bring the trophy back to west London,Chelsea may very well be heading into this match needing a win to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on what happens in its final three EPL matches.

For Bayern Munich, which will enjoy the luxury of playing in its home city, a win in this game can exorcise some of the demons for not winning the Bundesliga (won byBorussia Dortmund) this campaign.

Der FCB will shooting for its fifth UEFA Champions League championship, while the Blues will be seeking their first-ever CL title here. Bayern Munich last won in 2001, while Chelsea lost to EPL rival Manchester United back in 2008 in its only CL final appearance.

Besides playing in Munich, Chelsea will be also hampered by being without the services of captain John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles for the final.

Terry was red-carded for kneeing Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez in the back of his leg during the semifinal second leg while Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles all received yellow cards in the match.

Chelsea captain John Terry will miss the match after receiving a red card against Barcelona in Leg 2 of the semifinal.

Those yellow cards took their total bookings for the tournament to three and led to their subsequent one-match suspensions.

The Blues will also be hoping defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill recover from hamstring injuries for the big May 19th match. Without Terry and Ivanovic, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo may have to start Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Paulo Ferreira and Ryan Bertrand on the back line.

Bayern Munich will be without three players of its own in David Alaba, Holger Badstuber and Luiz Gustavo, who also received three total bookings in the tourney.

The international players union FIFPro issued a plea for clemency for the six players (besides Terry) who were banned, but it was rejected.

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes will likely have Mario Gomez, Arjen Robben,Franck Ribéry, Toni Kroos, Daniel van Buyten, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Jérôme Boateng and possibly Thomas Müller in his starting lineup, with Manuel Neuer in goal.

Without the aforementioned four Chelsea players banned for the match, Di Matteo may have that patchwork defense along with Petr Cech in goal.

He'll likely have Frank Lampard, John Obi-Mikel, Juan Mata and Didier Drogba in his starting lineup and players like Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou, Oriol Romeu and Michael Essien at his disposal.

Despite the momentum the Blues are enjoying of late under Di Matteo’s stewardship, Bayern Munich looks to be the healthier club. With Bayern's home-field edge and Chelsea having four of its most important players missing the game, the odds (Bayern Munich -240) reflect this reality.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is a big reason his club is playing for the European crown on May 19.
Martin Rose/Getty Images

Should Chelsea need the win to qualify for the 2012-13 UEFA CL, I expect an even stronger and more desperate performance with both Luiz and Cahill being fit for the final.

Both goalkeepers have been fabulous and a big reason these two sides are playing in this match, so the difference may come down to Chelsea’s ability, or inability, to effectively control Robben andRibéry on the flanks.

For the Blues to pull off the upset, I believe Mata and Lampard will have to be at their best. If both Drogba and Torres are playing on the pitch together for some reason, they will need to find some quick chemistry.

Despite the high odds in Bayern Munich’s favor, I expect this match to be extremely close and competitive and I wouldn’t be surprised if it went to extra time or even a shootout.

If it does go to a penalty shootout—as it did in 2003, 2005 and 2008—UEFA needs to really re-examine its current rules whereby the European soccer (football) champion, after all these matches, can be determined with just one defender (the goalkeeper) on the pitch and the clock turned off.

Just let them play until someone wins it on a goal, 11 versus 11. It’s pretty simple.

And as great as soccer is, both the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League could learn a little something by watching the NHL playoffs where they play as many overtimes as necessary until someone scores.

Chelsea veterans Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba will have to be at their best to beat Bayern Munich in Munich.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Fair and square. And even better for the fans and much easier on the losing side. Just ask Real Madrid.

Hopefully, this game of all games won’t be reduced to such foolishness on May 19th.

And if you want to bet on this match—just watching it is the best idea—I think the most sound approach is to take the club you want to win; betting Bayern Munich when you’re a Chelsea fan or vice versa can make for some really tough viewing.

Your best bet? Stock up and your favorite food and beverages, invite some friends over and make sure your dog has been walked ahead of the opening whistle.

Sayonara.

PREDICTION: Bayern Munich 2 Chelsea 1

BET: Over 2½ -105

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Barcelona hold as Real Madrid win La Liga title

Jose Mourinho promised improved results in his second season at Real Madrid, and the Portuguese coach delivered with a record 32nd Spanish league trophy to put a close to Barcelona's domestic dominance.

But while Madrid set a record goal total and Mourinho became the first manager to win a seventh league title across four different European leagues, his failure to give Madrid a chance at playing for a 10th European Cup by way of a Champions League final appearance will leave a bittersweet taste hanging over this season's accomplishment.

Madrid secured the Spanish title with a 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, with Gonzalo Higuain again scoring the goal that clinched the title – just as the Argentina forward did four years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo led a potent attack that surpassed the record mark of 109 goals set by Madrid 22 years ago, with 115 goals and counting, and two games still to play.

Ronaldo's 58 goals include 44 in the league, with the Portugal forward still dueling with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi – who leads with 46 – for the new mark.

"No one gifted us anything,'' Mourinho, always blunt, said Wednesday.

Madrid may not have met expectations in Europe, despite reaching a second straight semifinal, but at least it finally figured out a way to beat Barcelona.

Barcelona had dominated Spain's fiercest rivalry since coach Pep Guardiola's arrival in 2008, winning nine of 14 with only a single loss until Madrid's victory in last month's "clasico'' allowed it to take control of the title race and tilt the balance of power in Spain.

The 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou not only stretched Madrid's lead to seven points, but compounded a miserable week for Barcelona when Chelsea eliminated it from the Champions League semifinal and Guardiola announced his decision to leave the club at the close of the season.

Madrid's turnaround started in January with a 2-2 Copa del Rey draw at Barcelona, a result that swung the momentum in its favor despite Barcelona winning the series to advance to the cup final.

Mourinho's attacking scheme led by Mesut Oezil and Kaka helped the visitors dominate that game as "Los Meringues'' rallied from a 2-0 deficit to draw and put a dent in the belief of Guardiola's team, which had won 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in December.

Jolted into believing it could finally compete with its arch rival, Madrid gained further confidence as it went on a 15-game winning streak – to tie a 1960-61 team record – after the December loss to establish a 10-point lead over Barcelona by the time the three-time defending champion lost 3-2 in subzero temperatures at Osasuna in March.

The Madrid media was already talking about the Spanish leaders moving 16 points ahead by the time of the season's second clasico to inflict further embarrassment on the Catalans, who would get to perform the traditional "pasillo'' – Or passage of honour for the champions – at the Camp Nou if they could stretch the advantage.

But Barcelona won all 12 games leading up to last month's second clasico, with Mourinho no longer speaking with the Spanish media after a third draw in five rounds saw his team's advantage cut to four points.

Madrid showed no fear to win 2-1 at Barcelona on April 20 to all but secure the title and cap its turnaround from the start of the season when it lost to Barcelona in a Spanish Super Cup match that descended into a brawl and is best remembered for Mourinho poking Guardiola's successor Tito Vilanova in the eye.

The eye poke continued an ugly trend by Mourinho, whose surly behavior and constant conspiracy theories were ultimately unappreciated by fans, who jeered at the coach for the first time following the Copa del Rey loss to Barcelona.

Daily sports newspaper Marca, a staunch Madrid supporter, called Madrid an "insignificant, distasteful team'' after the 2-1 cup loss.

"Madrid has thrown its entire history overboard by electing this woeful style, which did not produce a single benefit,'' Marca columnist Santi Segurola wrote. "Spanish football remembers a lot of (Madrid) teams with less talent that made it more difficult for Barcelona.''

Mourinho replied by abandoning his normally defensive style in the return, and the subsequent 2-2 draw appeased supporters. Yet disappointment over Mourinho's impact on Madrid's image simmers in the Spanish capital despite the 49-year-old making good on his promise of improved results.

But Mourinho's decision to play defensively when leading Bayern Munich 2-0 after 15 minutes of their Champions League semifinal return ultimately cost his team, as it sat back and Bayern dominated to eventually score a necessary away goal before winning on penalties.

On the field, Ronaldo wasn't the only player who elevated Madrid to the title as it lost only twice through 36 games, winning 30 of those.

Karim Benzema has 20 goals in the league and 31 overall and coupled with Gozalo Higuain's 22 league goals, Madrid is still inflating the record goal total set by a trio.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso proved indispensable in midfield with Borussia Dortmund signing Nuri Sahin never easing into the team, while defenders Sergio Ramos and Marcelo continued to improve as new signing Fabio Coentrao failed to justify his (euro) 30 million ($40 million) transfer.

Whether Higuain and Kaka remain next season is a question mark as the pair featured less over the stretch run, with the Brazilian playmaker and former world player of the year making only four appearances since the beginning of April.

Mourinho has pledged his commitment to see out the deal he signed after bolting from Inter Milan, and the obsession over the Champions League is bound to thrive for both manager and club.

"This one was the hardest,'' Mourinho said of his collective league titles, which include two at FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. "But the next one will be even harder.''

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La Liga: Real Madrid clinch La Liga title

MADRID:Real Madrid claimed their first Spanish title in four years ending the reign of bitter rivals Barcelona to boot as they beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Wednesday for what is their 32nd league crown. Gonzalo Higuain, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals to give Jose Mourinho a record-breaking four titles in four different countries and the victory required with two games remaining. Mourinho’s first Spanish league title ended Barca’s run of three successive league titles in his second season at the club. Madrid needed to win after Barcelona had earlier beat Malaga 4-1 with goals from Carles Puyol and a hat-trick from Lionel Messi that saw him break Gerd Mueller’s record for goals in a single European season. Madrid started at a great pace and Higuain and Fabio Coentrao both went close within the first two minutes. Markel Susaeta then tested Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal with a header before Madrid were awarded a penalty on 11 minutes for a clear handball by Javi Martinez. However, Ronaldo shot straight down the centre which was easily saved by Gorka Iraizoz – it was his second penalty miss in a week after last Wednesday’s Champions League shoot-out against Bayern Munich. The Portuguese star need not have worried, five minutes later ‘los blancos’ were ahead when Higuain hit an unstoppable shot from 20 yards. At the other end Athletic did not have as much luck when the referee turned down claims for what looked to be another clear handball, this time by Sami Khedira. The title then became a virtual certainty on 20 minutes when Ronaldo found Ozil with a sweeping cross from the right-wing for the German midfielder to double the lead. The home side kept up an aerial bombardment of Madrid’s defence throughout. Inigo Perez provoked a great save from Casillas before Mikel San Jose followed-up only to strike the bar on the stroke of half-time. Five minutes after the interval Ronaldo headed home a corner to add the third and his 44th league goal of the season. Athletic continued to look for a consolation roared on by a partisan home crowd, but they were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes when Martinez was sent-off for a second yellow card after another handball. Barca coach Pep Guardiola had earlier named a strong side as the Catalans attempted to delay Madrid’s celebrations as long as possible. A defeat against fourth placed Malaga would have handed the title to Madrid without them kicking a ball, but Barca ran out convincing winners over fourth placed Malaga. Messi’s hat-trick inspired the win and takes his total tally to 68, one better than that mustered by Mueller while playing for Bayern Munich in the 1972-73 season. Also on Wednesday Valencia won 4-0 at home to Osasuna, for whom Dejan Lekic was sent-off before half-time, with a double each from Aritz Aduriz and Jonas Goncalves to edge closer to sealing third position and a Champions League place. The win leaves Valencia three points clear of Malaga and six ahead of city rivals Levante.

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Just the fact: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

Measuring up the rivals in Monday’s Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United:


• This is the 162nd Manchester derby. United have won 67, City 44 and there have been 50 draws.


• City are looking to complete the Premier League double over United for the second time and first since 2007-08.


• This is their fourth meeting in all competitions this season. There have already been 17 goals scored, 19 yellow cards and two reds in the previous three matches.


• Manchester City have won two of their last eight Premier League matches against United in all competitions, including the 6-1 victory at Old Trafford in October 2011 which was City's largest derby win since 1955 and first time they netted six at United since 1926.


• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last three Premier League visits to their neighbours without conceding a goal. It is 329 minutes (five hours and 29 minutes) since City last scored a home Premier League goal against them - Geovanni in a 1-0 win in August 2007.


• MANCHESTER CITY stats:


• If Manchester City win they will be level on points at the top with their rivals and leading the division on goal difference. The Premier League title race has never been decided by goal difference. The last time two top flight clubs finished the season with the same points came in 1988-89 when Liverpool and Arsenal both ended with 76 points - Arsenal winning the title on goals scored after a 2-0 win at Anfield in their final match.


• City manager Roberto Mancini has won three, drawn one and lost five of his nine Manchester derby matches.


• City currently have a goal difference of plus 60 goals. The highest goal difference of any Premier League club at the end of the season is +71 by Chelsea in 2009-10.


• City have scored in each of their last 29 Premier League home matches, and are unbeaten in the last 27 - since a 2-1 defeat to Everton in December 2010.


• City have won 16 of their 17 Premier League home matches this season (one draw). If they win their remaining two home matches they will have 55 home points in total - equalling the record set by Chelsea (2005-06) and Manchester United (2010-11), both of whom won the title.


• Sergio Aguero is the club's top Premier League scorer with 22 goals. He is one short of Carlos Tevez's club record for a season of 23 Premier League goals in 2009-10.


• Carlos Tevez scored 34 goals in 97 matches for Manchester United. He has scored three goals in six matches against them since leaving the club but none in the four Premier League meetings between the clubs.


• MANCHESTER UNITED stats:


• This is Alex Ferguson's 37th Manchester derby in the top flight. He has won 19, drawn ten and lost seven of his previous 36 league matches against Manchester City. His record at City is P17, W8, D4, L5.


• They have won their 36th Premier League match of the season in each of the last three seasons, including 2-0 at home to Manchester City in 2009.


• They have lost in this match round only twice in the last 15 Premier League seasons - 1-0 at Blackburn (2004) and 2-1 at Chelsea (2008).


• United conceded four Premier League goals in their last match with Everton - more than they had conceded in their previous nine matches combined.


• Failed to win after conceding the opening goal this season (three draws, four defeats).


• United have the best away record in the division this season, winning 12 of their 17 Premier League matches and scoring 36 goals.


• Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in Manchester derby matches - the equal-second highest scorer in the fixture during the Premier League era with Paul Scholes (5). Only Eric Cantona (7) has scored more.


• Rooney has netted 26 Premier League goals this season in total. If he scores today he will set a new record ahead of his 26 goals in 2009-10.


• Ryan Giggs (35) and Paul Scholes (25) have made a combined 60 career appearances against Manchester City. Giggs first ever Manchester United goal came against Manchester City on his first league start for the club. He netted in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the old division one on May 4, 1991 - almost 21 years ago.


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Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Streams Links

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