The UEFA Champions League is arguably the biggest competition in European club soccer. Teams from all of the top European leagues, including England, Germany, 
Italy, and Spain, compete for a chance to be called the champions of Europe. The competition starts in July, with three qualifying rounds, which eliminate all but 32 teams. Next, these 32 teams are split into four groups of eight, and each team plays all the other teams in their group. Only the top two teams from each group advance, narrowing the competition down to eight. These eight teams take part in another stage of four groups, with the winner of each group of two advancing to the quarter finals, and then the top four teams playing in the semi finals. Every match up in the champions league consists of two games, one at home for each team. The winner is determined by whichever team has the highest “aggregate” total, or combined goals from both games. In the event of a tie, whichever team scored more of their goals away from home wins. The semifinalists this year were F.C. Barcelona from Spain, F.C. Internazionale Milano from Italy, Olympique Lyonnais from the French league, and F.C. Bayern Munich from Germany. Lyon played Bayern Munich, and over the course of two games Bayern won 4-0. The other Semi-final was won by Inter Milan, beating out reigning champions Barcelona 3-2 over two games. The final, being played in Madrid this year, will take place on May 22nd.
ROAD TO THE FINAL: Bayern Munich’s group stage performance was just good enough to continue on, coming in second place behind Bordeaux, from France. In the round of eight, Bayern faced Italians Fiorentina and again scraped by on away goals. The final aggregate score was 4-4. The quarterfinals were won by a stunning last minute goal by Arjen Robben to defeat Manchester United from England, again on away goals, aggregate 4-4. The semifinals were the first time fans got to see a dominant Bayern squad with a 4-0 aggregate trouncing of Lyon.
Inter Milan’s road to the final was also no easy stroll. Inter also came in second in their initial group, behind F.C. Barcelona. In the round of eight, they faced English leaders Chelsea, winning 3-1 aggregate. In the Quarter finals, they beat Russian giants CSKA Moscow 2-0 on aggregate. In the semi-finals, Inter faced Barcelona, the team who had beaten them in the group stage, and current reigning champions. However, Inter were able to upset the champions, producing a hard fought 3-2 win on aggregate to advance to the final.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Expect a solid offensive game from Bayern. The Germans have many great attacking options, including on-form striker Ivica Olić, who scored three goals against Lyon to send Bayern to the finals, and midfielder Arjen Robben, who scored a stunning volley to knock out Manchester United. Bayern also have an experienced and competent defense, with Daniel Van Buyten and Martin Demichelis providing solidity at the back.
Inter will most likely play with a defensive mindset. With a backline led by Julio Cesar in goal, Bayern will have to work hard if they want to score. Time and time again Cesar has shown his prowess, most recently with a spectacular save against Lionel Messi in the semi-finals. Expect Inter to play a quick counter attacking game, utilizing speedy strikers Samuel Eto’o and Mario Balotelli as their main attacking threat.
