Storylines for the Finals

Bayern star Frank Ribery is suspended for this game following a three match ban that was handed to Ribery for a red card he received in the second leg of Bayern’s semi-final match against Lyon.  Bayern is currently appealing the suspension and the outcome of this appeal could have a significant impact on the match.

Can Oli? and Robben continue to score at this pace.  Oli? and Arjen Robben have been Bayerns primary goal scorers throughout Champions League play.  These two will need to combine for at least one or two goals in the finals for Bayern Munich to come out on top.

Inter has been solid all season long regaining supremacy after winning the Italian Serie A league and reaching the Champions League final.  This team is no joke and you can expect them to bring their A game to the finals.

Prediction

Bayern Munich 2 – Inter Milan 1

Arjen Robben always steps up for a big goal in big games and I expect this finals to be no different.  Then one goal from a teammate should be enough to win the game if Bayern can hold Inter to only 1 goal in Madrid.

Inter Milan are the favourites to win the game, but I think Bayern Munich has the players and the heart to pull out this victory and claim European soccer supremacy.

Champions League Finals Odds

Moneyline

Bayern Munich +220
Inter Milan +125
Draw +220

Point Spread

Bayern Munich +0.5 (-150)
Inter Milan -0.5 (+130)

For up to date soccer odds (aka football odds) click here.

Bet on the Champions League Finals

This will be the biggest game of the year in European Club soccer.  Get in on the action by betting on which team you think will win.

Bet on the Finals Now!

Bet at Bodog.com

Second Leg Predictions

April 27th Match

Bayern 1 – Lyon 0 = Bayern Munich wins 2-0 on aggregate

Lyon didn’t seem to have any offense in the first game and I expect this to continue even with the absense of Ribery.

April 28th Match

Barcelona 2 – Inter Milan 1 = Inter Milan wins 4 – 3 on aggregate

Inter just needs to shut Barcelona down and keep the game within one goal.  I think Inter has the skill and desire to do this.  They will enter the game knowing what needs to be done and they will get the job finished.

This will set up a Bayern Munich vs Internazionale Milan finals!

Real Madrid is in the toughest spot of the favourites because they need to win by at least 2 goals to avoid either losing on aggregate to Lyon or entering into a shootout if a 1-0 victory occurs.  When you are unable to score any away goals in the first leg of a champions league match up the pressure really mounts when you head home.  Fortunately for the other favourites they were each able to at least score a goal in their first leg matches which puts them in a very good position is they are able to achieve a clean sheet in the second leg.  Every single first leg match was decided by only one goal which makes these second matches that much more interesting.

Bet on round of 16 matches at Bodog.com

Here are my predictions for the second legs of the round of 16 Champions League Matches:

March 9th Matches

Arsenal 3 – Porto 1 = Arsenal wins 4-3 on aggregate
Fiorentina 1 – Bayern Munich 2 = Bayern Munich wins 4-2 on aggregate

March 10th Matches

Real Madrid 2 – Lyon 1 = Lyon wins 2-2 on aggregate
Manchester United 3 – AC Milan 1 = Manchester United 6-3 on aggregate

March 16th Matches

Sevilla 2 – CSKA Moskva 1 = Sevilla wins 3-2 on aggregate
Chelsea 1 – Inter Milan 1 =Inter Milan wins 3-2 on aggregate

March 17th Matches

Barcelona 2 – Stuttgart 1 = Barcelona wins 3-2 on aggregate
Bordeaux 3 – Olympiacos 0 = Bordeaux wins 4-0 on aggregate