Champions League expert predictions

With the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan fast approaching, we asked the FOX Soccer experts to predict the outcome. Here is what they had to say:

Jamie Trecker, senior writer, FOXSoccer.com: Inter Milan. My heart says Bayern Munich, but my head says Inter Milan. I think Jose Mourinho's tactical boldness will take the day in a competition that rewards defense in must-win games. Both teams are well-suited for each other: Bayern's flowing offense, with or without Franck Ribery, will be tested by an Inter team fielding perhaps the best back four in Europe and a work ethic that demands sacrifice. One hopes that the game will open up so that we can see the thrust and cut of a great final as opposed to a stifling, negative display -- I worry that the latter is more likely than the former -- but in either scenario, the odds favor the Italians.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

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• Mourinho the man to clean up Real
• Trecker: Proof defense wins titles

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• CL glory Mourinho's top priority
• Mourinho unveiled as Madrid coach
• Real confirms Mourinho appointment
• Hoeness proud of Bayern achievement
• Milito fires Inter to European glory

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• Video: Nerazzurri trophy celebration
• Video: Full highlights of CL final
• Video: Milito wins Man of the Match
• Video: Best of 2009-10 CL season

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• Photos: Champions League Final
• Photos: Team of the tournament

 

Keith Costigan, FOX Soccer analyst: Bayern Munich. Jose Mourinho has done a great job with Inter this year, but I am amazed how little credit people give Louis Van Gaal for leading Bayern to the Bundesliga title and the CL final. I think Bayern have been underestimated all year long and I expect them to provide us with an upset of sorts by beating Inter in a closely contested game.

Ives Galarcep, senior writer, FOXSoccer.com: Inter Milan. Bayern Munich's attack has been deadly in the knockout rounds, but the Germans haven't faced a defense as organized and disciplined as Inter's. Wesley Sneijder should find the gaps in Bayern's defense while Samuel Eto'o reminds us why he's such a big-game player. Defensively, Lucio and Walter Samuel deliver another masterful performance. Inter Milan 2, Bayern Munich 0.

Nick Webster, FOX Soccer Channel producer/host: Inter Milan. This Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, it's very hard to look beyond Inter Milan despite Bayern's remarkable journey to the final. Defensively the Italians are very strong, they're solid and organized in midfield with match winners upfront in the form of Milito and Eto'o. This also could well be the swan song for Jose Mourinho and I don't think he'll want to leave Milan a loser. Inter 2-0 Bayern.

Robert Burns, senior editor, FOXSoccer.com: Inter Milan. Inter will have the upper hand early in this match as Bayern attempts to deal with the defensive pressure of Mourinho's scheme, but the German side will be content to cede possession and not run themselves ragged in the first half. Unfortunately for the mass audience, this won't be a goal fest. Inter will find a way through Bayern's defense late in the first to take a 1-0 lead, but as German clubs always seem to do, Bayern will find that second-half equalizer, and they'll get it from a set piece. In extra time, Mourinho's destiny will prevail as Diego Milito scores the winner and Inter will be champions.

Jeremy St. Louis, FOX Soccer Report anchor: Inter Milan. I think Mourinho will set his team out to attack his former teacher and get a goal in the opening 30 minutes. After that he'll get his side to shut the game down until late in the 2nd half when sub Mario Balotelli puts the game away on a counter. 2-0 Inter win as Mourinho becomes youngest manager to win the CL twice -- and secures Inter their first-ever treble. Then by the end of next week, he announces that, with no challenge left in Itay, he's taking over at Real Madrid.

Derek Taylor, FOX Soccer Report anchor: Inter Milan. I don't want to say I've bought into the Jose Mourinho magic, but I feel a strange something washing over me that does not allow me to believe anything else. Inter is unbeaten since the league loss to Roma on March 27 (and yes, I'll count losing only 1-0 to Barcelona in the second leg as a win), and nearly impenetrable when they want to be. Add in that they don't have to deal with Franck Ribery, and it is Inter's year. Inter 2-1 Bayern.

Terri Leigh, FOX Soccer Report anchor: Bayern Munich. All the hullabaloo surrounding Inter and Mourinho I think will have the opposite effect, leaving Ivica Olic and Arjen Robben free to wreak havoc on Julio Cesar.

Jorge Mondaca, senior editor, FOXSports.com: Inter Milan. Forget all the talk about Louis van Gaal vs. Jose Mourinho, this game will come down to the players on the pitch -- and that's where Inter have the edge. The experience and leadership they have in the back with Lucio and Javier Zanetti will provide the wall needed to shut out Bayern Munich's top goal-scoring threat Ivica Olic. In the middle, Esteban Cambiasso will want to make a statement after being shockingly left out of Argentina's World Cup roster, and he'll be able to deliver great balls to the duo of Samuel Eto'o and Goran Pandev. 2-0 Inter is my prediction.

Sheli Reynolds, guest expert, FOXSoccer.com: Bayern Munich. To most fans, Inter is the logical choice. Their squad is deep and impressive, with a dynamic player at every position. But one thing I've noticed is that German teams, despite sometimes having a less heralded side on paper, have a knack for pulling together as a team in the biggest games. Some think that Mourinho will have an advantage by knowing Robben so well from their days at Chelsea, but I think the winger will outwit his former manager on Saturday. Bayern 2-1. And if I’m wrong, and the match goes to penalties ... you’d be foolish to bet against the Germans.

Zack Faigen, senior news editor, FOXSports.com: Inter Milan. I predicted Inter would lose twice already -- to Chelsea in the Round of 16 and then again to Barcelona in the semifinals. I've learned my lesson. Jose Mourinho is finally going to accomplish what he was brought to Milan to do. He has the most in-form 'keeper in the world in Julio Cesar and a stalwart defense led by Lucio, Samuel and Maicon. Either Eto'o or Milito will find a way into the back of the net. 1-0 Inter.