Five keys to beating Bayern
Bayern Munich will meet Chelsea in the Champions League final next month after they overcame Real Madrid on penalties on Wednesday night.
Manuel Neuer saved spot-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, before Bastian Schweinsteiger netted the decisive effort to secure their place in the final at their home ground, the Allianz Arena.
Bayern are favourites after winning at the Bernabeu, and here we look at five things Chelsea must do to beat the German side.
1) Put the shackles on Mario Gomez
The 26-year-old is Bayern's most dangerous attacking outlet and is joint top scorer in the Bundesliga, having netted 25 goals this season.
Gomez was the German top flight's most expensive player of all time when he moved from Stuttgart in 2009, but less than a year later it appeared he was heading for the Bayern exit door.
However, Gomez has turned things around sensationally by plundering in the goals for both die Roten and the German national team. Chelsea's defence is hit by suspensions to John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, but the players that line up will need to be on top of their game to thwart the Bayern striker.
2) Keep the crowd quiet
Tickets may be spread evenly between both sides, but you can be sure that Bayern will benefit from playing at their home ground.
The stadium can accommodate almost 70,000 fans and will undoubtedly provide Bayern with an advantage. The German side have lost only two of their 24 league games at the Allianz Arena this season so an early goal would give Chelsea an invaluable leg up and put the hosts on edge.
3) Hammer their defence
Real took a two-goal lead within 14 minutes, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting twice at the Bernabeu. The Portugal international, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria gave the German side a torrid time defensively, before they firmed out and took the games to penalties.
If Chelsea can get off to the same start, you would not be surprised if they can cause Bayern similar problems. The fact defensive-minded trio Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber will be out through suspension should help them.
4) Find a way past Manuel Neuer
The Germany international is widely recognised as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. Neuer proved the hero in Spain, saving two penalties to help Bayern progress to the final after an indifferent season. The summer signing from Schalke 04 has taken some flak but there is no doubting his quality - as Real can vouch.
5) Practice your penalties
It is somewhat cliched but Germany are good at penalties. Bayern proved that again so it would not be the worst idea for Roberto Di Matteo's side to spend a bit of time practising their spot-kicks.
