No English team in the Champions league final but an intriguing clash. It is a case of master and apprentice in the Madrid final as Van Gaal goes head to head against Mourinho.
It was of course Van Gaal who tutored the “special one “ before anybody realised he was in fact the special one and it was from Van Gaal that Mourinho learnt the benefits of obsessive preparation and massive dossiers on all aspects of the opposition.
For tonight's final Inter will be missing Motta and perhaps more importantly Bayern will be without Ribery. Both teams are chasing the treble and whilst it has been a possible for Inter throughout the campaign it has been a rockier ride for Van Gaal.
The Dutch master was drinking in the bar next door to the last chance saloon in the autumn. Their league form was poor and they seemed to be heading the the Champions League directional signage that said exit.
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They didn't lose to Juventus and Van Gaal guided FC Hollywood to a league and Cup double. Perhaps the Bayern name is on the Cup this year and at puntinplay we think they rate the value in this evenings final, where history can be made by Eto.
The Milan striker has scored in finals against both Manchester United and Arsenal. If he bags a goal today he will join a club that contains only one other member - Alfredo De Stefano. The fact that the final in in Madrid is all the more appropriate.
For Bayern Robben can be the match winner. The captain Van Bommel, whilst not under estimating the loss of Ribery said at the team press conference
"I'm glad he's playing for us, I don't know why Real didn't want him, he's very important for us, he scores very important goals and he also plays very well, the team knows how to play for him and he knows how to play for us. We compliment each other very well, everyone knows what to do in his position and Arjen is working very well. I love having him here."
Robben has scored 20 goals in his last 24 games for Bayern so the 3.75 to score any time looks an interesting bet based on recent stats.
At puntinplay we will provide an update when the teams come through but at the moment the puntinplay selection is that we fancy a half-time draw at 2.1 with Bet365.
