Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund - German Cup Final Preview

It doesn’t get much bigger in European football than Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund, and this scope is widened further still when the fixture is the final one of the German season, and there’s a major trophy at stake.

But aside from the importance of this occasion, there are a variety of sub-plots to unfold regarding both Bayern and Dortmund during this match, and with the impact sure to be felt over the summer. Such are the expectations nowadays at the Allianz Arena, Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge of Die Bayern will be considered something of a failure even if this fixture results in Bayern pulling off a league and cup double.

There is a feeling in Munich that the changes made by Guardiola to Bayern’s style have been detrimental to both the quality of their play and results. This is debatable, and certainly there weren’t too many complaints when Bayern won the Bundesliga in record time, producing some ruthless and prolific football.

But their elimination in the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid was pretty embarrassing for Bayern fans, particularly getting pasted on their home turf by four goals to nil. While by any reasonable standard, if Bayern win this match then their season has still been a success, there will be pressure on Guardiola to restore confidence in his management at the Allianz Arena next season. The tiqui taca style which the Spaniard favours is inimical to the way that German football is played, and it may have to be adjusted if Guardiola is to achieve the success at Bayern that he craves. Guardiola is not even certain to be the head coach at the Allianz next season, which would surely represent a unique occurrence of a manager winning a double and being effectively sacked should it occur!

This match with Dortmund will be a very important one for the Bayern coach then. But it will be an equally important occasion for the centre-forward of Borussia Dortmund, Robert Lewandowski. The Pole will be a Bayern man next season, and this is an opportunity for Lewandowski to go out on a high with Dortmund and particularly the club’s fans. Whether or not he will get a warm reception from them next season is highly debatable, but Dortmund’s form in recent weeks has been such that he may win the German Cup with them in his final appearance for the club.

Dortmund are a more than decent side, who are capable of playing some brilliant football at times, and they would love nothing more than to put one over on their great rivals, which they managed to do in the league just weeks ago. But I don’t think Dortmund have it in them to deal with the pace and power of the likes of Robben and Ribery when Bayern are truly motivated. Bayern have been far too good for everyone in the Bundesliga when it has mattered this term, and I expect them to give another powerful display here to complete a league and cup double.

Selections: Safe Bet – Bayern Munich to win (Evens with 888sport), Bayern Munich to win by 1 goal (3/1 with paddy Power)

Go To bet365

#Ad

12/05/2014     © Frixo 2026