Thoughts on What Will Happen at the Champions League Final

Before you read anymore of this, let me state this: I am totally biased here. I am a diehard Bayern Munich fan: if you are looking for a neutral perspective on this fantastic match, please look elsewhere. I will try my hardest to be neutral, but keep in mind that I plan on wearing my Bayern jersey tomorrow and cheering my heart out for them. Now that that totally necessary disclaimer is over with, I will continue with my preview. I have my keys to the game, predictions on what I think will happen and prediction as to what the final score will be.
Keys
Wesley Sneijder vs. Bastian Schweinsteiger: The two midfield maestros for their respective teams, whichever one is able to control the middle of the park will surely win it for their side. Sneijder has been vital to Inter during this run, contributing in five of their eight goals. He has been their inspiration and if Bayern has any hope of winning, they have to make sure Sneijder touches the ball as little as possible. The same can be said for Inter when it comes to Bastian Schweinsteiger. While his teammate Arjen Robben has been stealing much of the plaudits for his fantastic moments during Bayern’s run, Schweinsteiger has been quietly doing a fantastic job in the middle of the park. His passing has been superb, as well as his defense, making him a vital part of Bayern’s game plan, and if Inter Milan want to win, taking Schweinsteiger off his game will be crucial
Arjen Robben and Philipp Lahm vs. Inter defense: Lahm’s and Robben’s connection have been extremely vital to Bayern’s offense, providing many awe-inspiring moments that have been crucial in the knockout stages. While Robben has been the one providing the crucial goals, Lahm has been absolutely fantastic going forward from the right fullback position and providing neat and dangerous crosses for the forwards. Lahm’s presence is vital to Robben’s game because the left side of defense for opposing teams cannot just focus on the Dutch winger, because Lahm himself is so dangerous. The Inter Milan defense has to be aware at all times when the Bayern has possession on the right side of the field because that is where much of Bayern’s offensive inspiration comes from.
Maicon vs. Holger Badstuber: Holger Badstuber has been a fantastic find for Bayern Munich this year, providing a calm and cool presence at the back despite his young age. However, he will have his hands full tomorrow with the dangerous and physical Brazilian right back Maicon. Maicon has been absolutely ferocious this year going forward, providing extremely dangerous crosses for Inter’s forwards, as well as bagging a few goals for himself. Badstuber is going to have to be much more defensive than Bayern would like him to be, but that is so he can have any hope of shutting down the Brazilian’s majestic forays forward. If Badstuber is able to shut down Maicon, that is one less weapon that Inter will have at their disposal.
Predictions
Robben will get shut down: I see a tough night for Arjen Robben. Inter is coached by his former coach while at Chelsea Football Club, Jose Mourinho, who is more than aware of Robben’s tendencies. If a defense gets physical with the fantastic Dutch winger, then he is prone to leaving games for large chunks of time. Mourinho will exploit this, and while I’m not saying that Mourinho is going to send his Inter players out to hurt Robben, I definitely expect one of them to receive a yellow card for a challenge that is a little too physical.
Samuel Eto’o will score: Samuel Eto’o has been in two Champions League finals, and he has scored the opening goal for his team in both of those. While no player has ever scored in three Champions League finals, I expect Eto’o to be the first. I think he has had a chip on his shoulder all season (even more than he usually does) and he hasn’t really proven that Barcelona were foolish for getting rid of him. It also doesn’t hurt that Bayern’s center of defense is definitely their weak point; Daniel Van Buyten and Martin Demichellis will not be able to shut down Eto’o for an entire match. Samuel Eto’o will score.
Bayern will not miss Franck Ribery: I believe that Munich will not miss Franck Ribery. I am not taking anything away from the Frenchman, I just think they have a perfectly adequate replacement in Hamit Altintop. Altintop, a Turkish International, had to step into Ribery’s shoes at Lyon in the semifinals and had an absolutely fantastic game. Now I am aware Altintop will be closely marked by Maicon, the best fullback in the world in my opinion, but I think Altintop will still have a good game. Champions League finals always have players who play above their normal ability because of the grand stage, and I think Altintop will do just that.
And the Final Score Will Be…
Bayern 2 – Inter Milan 1: Inter will control this game. Sneijder will control the midfield over Schweinsteiger, Robben will not have a great game and Eto’o will score. Basically Inter will do everyting that I have stated will be necessary for them to win. But one thing has not been taken into account: that one moment where Arjen Robben does something spectacular, where he does something that many did not think was physically possible. He had these moments against Fiorentina, Manchester United and Lyon. I believe in Arjen Robben, and while I think he is going to be nonexistent for large portions of the game, I still think he will provide one moment of sheer brilliance that will make up for it. That moment will be the difference betweent the two sides. Where does the other Bayern goal come from? Beautiful link up play between Thomas Mueller and Ivica Olic results in a goal for Olic. This happens before halftime, giving Bayern the 1-0 lead at the half. Samuel Eto’o responds in the second half for Inter, who will control much of the play in that half but will be unable to take advantage of opportunities and per usual, Arjen Robben will take advantage of this. Robben scores a wonder goal in the last half hour of the match, and Bayern withstands the waves of Inter pressure to hold on and win the title.