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Platini: Bayern and Chelsea were better than Real Madrid and Barcelona
May 18, 2012 7:25:00 PM
Many pundits presumed that it would be the Blancos against the Blaugrana at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night, but instead it will be the Bavarians against the Blues
| Bet: | Returns: | Dortmund £48.00 | Draw £41.00 | Bayern £17.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dortmund £45.00 | Draw £35.00 | Bayern £18.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dortmund £45.00 | Draw £36.00 | Bayern £18.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dortmund £47.50 | Draw £41.00 | Bayern £17.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Dortmund £43.30 | Draw £37.50 | Bayern £17.50 |
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Many pundits predicted a Clasico for the Allianz Arena but Bayern edged out Madrid on penalties, the night after defending champions Barcelona had been sensationally dumped out of competition after being held at home by 10-man Chelsea.
Some have suggested that it is a shame that the Blancos and the Blaugrana did not make the tournament decider, given they are widely regarded as the two strongest sides in the world, but Platini has pointed out that they failed to prove themselves on the pitch.
“They could be [the best teams in the world] but the final is there - it's Bayern Munich against Chelsea," the former France international told CNN.
“I didn't see Barcelona be better than Chelsea and I didn't see Real Madrid be better than Bayern in these games.
“But then, everything was surprising [this season]: the non-qualification of some of the English teams to the second round; the fact that Chelsea and Bayern were not favourites for the semi-finals and they beat Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“It has been incredible year for the legend of the cup."
Reflecting on finals gone by, Platini admitted that, as far as he is concerned, two encounters stick out above all others.
"Istanbul was an incredible game for Liverpool against Milan and last year's final between Barcelona and Manchester United was a great, great game with a great atmosphere at the stadium [Wembley]," he enthused.
This year's edition kicks off at 20.45CET at the Allianz Arena.
Goal.com will be running a dedicated LIVE! on Saturday from 11.00-00.00BST to keep you up to date with all the latest about the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea, while also offering you the chance to ask our European football editors any questions you have about the game via Goal.com International's Twitter account, or our Facebook page.
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