This Tuesday and Wednesday will tell us who will contest this year's Champions League Final in Munich. On Tuesday Chelsea will take a 1-0 lead tot he Nou Camp against defending champions Barcelona. If the second leg is like the first leg and Barcelona dominate the game then I believe that they will progress. They will also be stung after virtually losing their league title at home to Real Madrid on Saturday. Pep Guardiola can not afford to leave Cesc Fabregas on the bench again though. Messi as usual will have a big say.
Chelsea will be resolute, and I also expect Didier Drogba, who is a doubt with a knee injury, to play. It may be the last chance for Lampard, Terry and co to reach a Champions League final. I expect the London club to give it everything but I expect Barca to win 3-1 in 90 minutes and 3-2 on aggregate.
First gaolscorer prediction: Lionel Messi (Barcelona).
Wednesday night's encounter in Madrid between Real and Bayren Munich is also nicely poised. Bayren, who played very well in the first leg take a 2-1 lead to the Spanish capital. Jupp Heyncke's side will once again look to the front trio of Ribery, Robben and Mario Gomez, who scored the winner in the first leg, to provide the attacking threat. Munich also have the added incentive of hosting the final in their own stadium on May 19th.
Madrid will be boosted by their 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp at the weekend, a result which has almost guaranteed another Spanish league title. Whether Cristian Ronaldo plays well in big games or not does not always matter, as he often scores in them, just like he did on Saturday. I expect Xabi Alonso to pull the strings in midfield for Real and Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Angel DiMaria to provide the cutting edge for Jose Mourino's side. I expect Madrid to win 2-1 in 90 minutes and to win 3-1 after extra time.
© Seamus Egan 2012.
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