Home advantage could prove key for Bayern Munich in Europe
Published:A dramatic Bernabeu clash last night saw Bayern Munich clinch a place in a dream Champions League final, and the Germans are now comfortable favourites to lift the trophy at 4/9.
Success via a penalty shootout was a fitting way to end such an exciting semi-final in Madrid, but Bayern won’t have to travel anywhere for the final stage of the competition, where Chelsea will be their opponents.
The venue will be the Allianz Arena, and this will give Bayern a huge advantage, being their home stadium, and one where they have maintained a terrific European record this season.
Indeed, the Bavarian outfit have won each of their six home Champions League games this term, seven including qualifying playoffs, and have conceded on just four occasions during this time.
They have racked up a superb 21 goals in those games too, and, averaging three strikes per match at the Allianz Arena, it is difficult to see past them landing a 5th European Cup.
Whilst the final will be counted as a meeting on neutral ground, Chelsea are likely to view the game as an away tie, and even the increased amount of Blues supporters in the stadium are unlikely to negate this sense.
Their record on the road from Stamford Bridge in Europe this season hasn’t been the most sparkling, and they will travel to Germany with just one previous victory away from home, along with three draws.
Of their two defeats away from London, one did come on German soil, when Bayer Leverkusen bested the Blues in a group stage clash.
Such an inconsistent record on the road this term does not bode well for Roberto Di Matteo’s men, as they prepare to meet an outfit whose record at home can be matched only by eliminated Real Madrid.
That said, the clarity of Bayern’s position as favourites is not surprising, and 4/9 is a reasonable price for them to lift the Champions League trophy.
