Paris Saint-Germain FC
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
Bayern meet PSG in a star-studded shootout for the Champions League trophy
Bayern Munich to win 3-2 to win the Champions League
The excitement from having two superb teams reach the final in peak form is incredible.
In the red corner are five-time champions Bayern Munich, who have cruised to the final having thrashed Barcelona 8-2 before comfortably easing Lyon aside in the Semis.
In the blue are perennial French champions PSG who have reached the final for the first time in their 50-year history. It would be some way to mark their Golden Anniversary by lifting the trophy on Sunday night.
For fans or neutral spectators, having someone other than Real Madrid in the final is a breath of fresh air – Bayern have not reached the final since 2013.
The quality on field from both sides will be outstanding. Neither side wants to sit back, especially with the attacking players at their disposal. This is likely to be a contest of seeing which team can outscore the other, and it’s set up to be a classic.
Form Guide (all comps.): W W W W W
Reasons to be cheerful:
Well-balanced side with outstanding attackers
Will be desperate to finally claim the Champions League
Reasons to be fearful:
Have often choked in the biggest games in Europe
Opponents are the bookmakers’ favourites
Like their opponents, PSG have their domestic league in an inevitable stronghold. Only Monaco have prevented them from winning Ligue 1 once in eight years.
But winning the Champions League is the ultimate goal for this team and the owners who have poured hundreds of millions into this club in the form of transfers and wages, only to fall short season after season.
But perhaps, on the 50th anniversary of their formation, destiny is now smiling on them. They’ve shown the qualities of champions, coming from losing positions against both Dortmund and Atalanta this season.
They also have three forwards in stunning form. Everyone knows the ability of star men Neymar and Mbappe, but their partner in crime Di Maria often goes unpraised. He was sensational against Leipzig in the Semis and his unique abilities will be needed if they are to beat Bayern in the final.
Star Man – Neymar
Despite his wide shooting in the Quarters and Semis, his overall play has been fantastic. His creativity will be vital for PSG.
Form Guide (all comps.): W W W W W
Reasons to be cheerful
Have become the best team in the world this season, with the best player in Lewandowski
No obvious weaknesses
Reasons to be fearful
Favour a high line which will suit PSG’s attackers
Have lost five of their eight matches against PSG
Since winning the Champions League in 2013, they’ve won the Bundesliga on each successive season proving to be virtually unchallengeable domestically.
In Europe it’s been a slightly different story, having to cope with the retirements of greats Robben, Ribery and Lahm whilst rebuilding with youth.
The fruits of their rebuild are now there for all to see – they have close to a perfect football squad.
Reports suggest that their entire squad cost the same amount as what PSG paid for Neymar and Mbappe.
Bayern’s cause for concern could be their obsession with a high defensive line. Against Lyon, they were nearly unpicked on several occasions with balls played in behind. Only Lyon’s poor finishing let Bayern off the hook.
They cannot afford to play so openly against the quality of PSG’s attack.
Star Man – Robert Lewandowski
In the absence of the Ballon d’Or, he’d settle for winning the Champions League to end an outstanding season.
A mouth-watering encounter, with both teams attacking from kick-off
Plenty of goals
Bayern looking to press high up the pitch, PSG will look to get in behind
One of the closest finals to call in years, rarely do we see such outstanding quality (not to mention transfer value) lining up against one another.
A sensible bet would be Bayern, who have not looked challenged at all in this season’s competition.
However, PSG possess magic players in the areas that can really hurt Bayern, especially if the Germans do not change their approach.
One thing to be certain of is goals. Neither team will want to sit back and defend. They are built to attack and outscore each other.
It’s sure to be a cracking contest.
Bayern Munich to win 3-2 to win the Champions League
