The 5 Key Matchups to Look Out for in the UEFA Champions League Final
By Ross Jackson
Come on, let’s be honest - it’s the final we were all hoping for.
Put aside the moral compass and the deeply ingrained love for an underdog, everyone was hoping for a Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich showpiece ahead of the semi-final fixtures.
Sunday’s Champions League final promises to be an absolute barnstormer, with both sides possessing an attacking arsenal capable of tearing apart any team in the world (mentioning the words ‘arsenal’ and ‘Champions League final’ in the same breath – this really has been a weird season).
While Hansi Flick’s men are fancied by many to earn their sixth European crown, an overly expansive semi-final performance saw opponents Lyon miss multiple gilt-edged opportunities, a weakness Thomas Tuchel’s side will no doubt be keen to expose.
This one really could go either way, so let’s take a look at the individual matchups which could well have a huge say in whose trophy cabinet ol’ big ears will reside next season.
1. Robert Lewandowski vs Thiago Silva
Two of the elder statesmen in Sunday's final, but both with hugely significant roles to play if their club is to emerge victorious.
Lewandowski has been unstoppable for Bayern this season, with his 15 Champions League goals seeing him sat comfortably atop the competition's goalscoring charts.
Despite a relatively poor showing against Lyon (although he did end up on the scoresheet, obviously), the Poland captain's goal threat and all-round play will be key to Bayern's chance of success this Sunday.
If PSG are to stand any hope of clinching their maiden Champions League title, Thiago Silva will need to be on top form.
The final will likely be the Brazilian's last game for les Parisiens, and he could well sign off in style if he can nullify the threat posed by Lewandowski.
2. Neymar vs Jérôme Boateng
Since his move away from Barcelona in 2017, many have failed to acknowledge Neymar as one of the world's elite. However, this season's Champions League has seen the Brazilian prove he's unquestionably up there with the very best.
Despite missing a number of chances against RB Leipzig in the semi-final, the 28-year-old produced a stellar display, with his sumptuous flicked assist for Angel Di Maria taking his Champions League goal contribution tally up to 59 in as many games (35 goals, 24 assists).
However, if the magical frontman is to lift his second Champions League trophy, he'll have to overcome one of the meanest defences in Europe.
With just eight goals conceded in their ten games in the competition so far, Bayern are far from just an attacking powerhouse, and central to their shrewd backline is Jérôme Boateng.
The German has enjoyed another fine season, though if Bayern are to overcome PSG, Flick will need to address the Bavarians' high press.
A pacy Lyon frontline was easily able to exploit Bayern's high line in the semi-final, and Die Roten may not be so lucky as to escape punishment against Neymar and co. on Sunday.
3. Ángel Di Maria vs Alphonso Davies
This one is arguably the most interesting duel of the lot.
Alphonso Davies has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since his move from Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018.
The 19-year-old's lung-busting runs and mesmeric wide play have become a feature of Bayern's game. However, such surging darts forward may be ill-advised with Angel Di Maria around.
The Argentina international was instrumental against RB Leipzig, providing a goal and two assists to see his side safely through to the final.
Whether Flick will look to curtail his flying youngster's attacking endeavour remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure - whoever emerges as the victor in this battle will give their side a huge upper hand.
4. Kylian Mbappé vs Joshua Kimmich
Mbappé and Kimmich have a tendency to roam, and so the position they stand in at kick off is often a bit of a ruse.
Kimmich's ability to control a game - even when selected at right-back rather than central midfield - is unparalleled, with the German able to dictate the pace of play and always looking to get on the ball.
Not allowing the 25-year-old time to settle will no doubt be top of Tuchel's agenda, and Mbappé could be central to that plan should the two come head-to-head down the PSG left.
However, while Tuchel will of course be looking to nullify the threat from Kimmich, that's not the reason Mbappé is on the pitch. The rapid Frenchman will send shivers down the spine of the Bayern backline, especially if they opt to sit as high as they did against Lyon.
Manuel Neuer could be just as key to this dual as Kimmich if they're to keep
Mbappé at bay.
5. Thomas Müller vs Marquinhos
Having looked as though he could be set for a sensational Bayern exit earlier this season, the arrival of Hansi Flick has seen Thomas Müller's career enjoy a mini renaissance.
His 21 assists in the Bundesliga last campaign set a new record, with his partnership with Lewandowski proving too hot to handle as Bayern romped to their eighth successive German title.
Stopping the German may well mean PSG cut out the supply line to Lewandowski, and the man saddled with that task will be Marquinhos.
The Brazilian has developed a knack for grabbing goals himself lately, with goals in both the quarter-final and semi-final. However, his main objective for Sunday will be to stay close to Müller and deny the German space.
If Marquinhos can stop Müller, PSG might just be able to stop Bayern.