It's been five years since a Champions League final is filled with domestic rivalry. Manchester United and Chelsea faced each other in Moscow in 2008 which saw the Red Devils triumph thanks to John Terry who famously lost his footing during the penalty shootout.
This year's final would see another domestic affair. A German one this time. The country's top two teams, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, take on each other in what looks more like just another Bundesliga match than a glamorous finale of Europe's most prestigious football competition.
Bayern and Dortmund have five European titles between them with a ratio of 4:1. On paper, Bayern seem to have the upper hand after winning the German league this season. Dortmund, who sold their star playmaker Shinji Kagawa to Man United last summer, have turned out be a different side this season.
Mario Gotze, the current star of Dortmund's squad, will be moving to Bayern in the upcoming transfer window. However, due to injury, he will be spared the awkwardness of facing his future colleagues in the final game for his current employer. Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski may also follow Gotze's footsteps in swooping his yellow jersey for a red one.
Dortmund's main concern shouldn't be who is leaving them but who are they facing. No doubt, Arjen Robben the flying Dutchman is Bayern's danger man. His ability to cut infield with his left foot at such a frequent rate is impressive. He is usually deployed on the right but moves inwards instead of sprinting down the byline for a cross.
Although his style of play is ultra predictable, defenders still fail in containing the threat Robben poses. His beautiful feints plus fast pace can only be halted by world-class defending. Robben will definitely play a crucial part in deciding the game's result.
Anyway, Bayern Munich, last year's runners-up, will have greater motivation to win this match. They lost to an underrated Chelsea side in the 2012 final at their own stadium. Outgoing manager Jupp Heynckes would also want to leave on a winning note.
I predict the game to be a tight one and 90 minutes of normal time would see a goalless draw between both sides. Bayern Munich to score the all-important goal that separates the winners from the losers. Arjen Robben will take full credit for that.
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