Most fans worldwide are disappointed that the Champions League final won’t include the world’s best player, Lionel Messi.  In fact today’s final promises little in the way of excitement.   Chelsea’s surprising run to the final is almost as astonishing as Bayern Munich’s arrival.  Both teams upset better financed Spanish squads to get to the final with Chelsea shocking Barcelona and Bayern taking care of Real Madrid.

Most notable today are two facts.  First Bayern will have a rare home field advantage, with the game being played on their pitch.  The Champions League is much like the American Super Bowl, with the final game a much sought out economic bounty that cities fight to host.  It’s very rare that the host city actually has their home team make it all the way to the final.   Having the 12th man on their side today means a lot for Bayern.

The other factor in Bayern’s favor is that Chelsea have several key players ineligible today including their captain, John Terry.   It would seem likely that Chelsea will play not to lose, hoping to push the game to a 0-0 tie.   That would result in a penalty kick shootout.   Defensive battles can be just as enjoyable as a goal fest for true fans of the game but a highly tactical defensive match likely will bore much of the globe.   I’ll check out the final for sure and for those of you that want to get deeper, here’s a link to a good article sizing up the final.