Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich face off in the Champions League final on Sunday. For PSG, it will be their first time playing in the final of Europe’s premier club competition. Bayern meanwhile, have now reached as many European Cup finals as AC Milan with 11 to their name. Only Real Madrid have participated in more.
The game will of course take place behind closed doors and a few months later than scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But despite the unusual circumstances, it promises to be some night in Lisbon. With both sides known for their attacking flare, we should be in for an enthralling final.
Here’s all you need to know to get involved…
When is the Champions League final?
The Champions League final kicks-off at 20:00 on Sunday 23 August.
The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul was initially scheduled to host the match on 30 May. In order to get this season’s competition concluded as safely as possible, the final stages have instead been played in Lisbon. That means Sunday’s showpiece will now be held at Estádio da Luz, the home of Benfica.
Routes to the final
Bayern Munich
Bayern have barely put a foot wrong on their way to the final. Hans-Dieter Flick’s side have won all 10 of their games in the competition so far, bagging an impressive 42 goals along the way. Bayern beat Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the last-16. They followed that up with an unforgettable 8-2 mauling of Barcelona before sweeping aside Lyon 3-0 in the semi-final.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have been almost equally impressive. They have won eight of their 10 matches in the Champions League so far this season. That includes a late, late showing in the quarter-final against Atalanta. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s 93rd-minute strike secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the Italians. They enjoyed a more routine win in the last four, beating RB Leipzig 3-0 to book their place in the final.
Players to watch
Of course there will plenty of star quality on show on Sunday but PSG will be particularly concerned by the form of Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is the runaway top scorer in the Champions League this season with 15 goals. He has found the back of the net every 53 minutes on average. It’s no surprise therefore, that Lewandowski leads the first and anytime goalscorer betting at best odds of 3.75 and 1.60 respectively.
If that wasn’t enough for the PSG back four to contend with, they will also have to keep an eye on Serge Gnabry. The former Arsenal man bagged a superb brace in the semi-final, meaning he has been directly involved in 11 goals in the Champions League this term. Only Lewandowski has been involved in more. Gnabry is currently available at best odds of 6.75 to open the scoring and 2.60 to score anytime.
Left foot turned up today boyyyy #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/WDV98NERF4
— Serge Gnabry (@SergeGnabry) August 19, 2020
That’s not to say PSG won’t be able to cause a few problems of their own, however. With a star-studded frontline featuring Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, they are packed with firepower and are more than capable of breaking Bayern down. In particular, Neymar will be desperate to claim his second Champions League crown after winning the competition with Barcelona five years ago. The Brazil international is 7.00 to score first and 2.50 anytime on Sunday.
How will it play out?
At their devastating best, Bayern are almost unstoppable. The 8-2 hammering of Barcelona was a timely reminder of how they can tear any team apart on their day. That’s why the Bundesliga champions are 2.05 favourites to win their sixth Champions League title without needing extra time or penalties on Sunday.
However PSG may be able to take some comfort from Bayern’s semi-final with Lyon. Although they eventually ran out comfortable winners, Bayern’s high defensive line gave Lyon a few chances to take the lead early on. And while their compatriots were unable to make the most of those opportunities, PSG undoubtedly possess the attacking talent to punish Bayern.
Thomas Tuchel’s men may well cause a bit of an upset on Sunday, especially if Neymar and Mbappe are both fit and firing. PSG could consequently represent decent value at best odds of 3.50 to win in 90 minutes and lift the Champions League trophy aloft for the first time in the club’s history.
How to watch the Champions League final on TV
The Champions League final is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 23 August and will be shown live on BT Sport 1.
How to bet on the Champions League final
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