12 days to go towards the single most important game in the world with regards to Real Madrid: The CL final, Real Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen.
We were all hoping to be here when the season started, but we never knew what the exact cirumstances would be. As the season started very bad for us, we all hoped for the best...and we got a chance to be the best by coming on top after these 90 minutes in Scotland! :happy:
I think it is a biggetr surprise to see Leverkusen in the final, i doubt any of us expected that. However, thats not the case after observing the type of football they have been able to produce during this CL season. They are a very tough and balanced team, their coach is a very tactful guy, the team has one of the world's biggest players in Ballack (the guy can make or break any game), and they have gotten here on complete merit. Beating the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, Barcelona, Deportivo and Juventus, all in the CL.
So on paper, this team has what it takes to add one more scalp under its belt and cap an amazing year for them. There are many good things going for Bayer, and why its not really all that good that we get to play them and not United. These are IMO:
Underestimating the opposition
Is there any doubt our players rise better to the occasion against bigger clubs? I don't think we will underestimate Bayer as much as we would have given United the full respect and attention. Our players thrive on such matches, and i only worry about how they would approach Bayer now.
More Balanced
United offer a more open game like us, and have just as bad defense. Without Beckham, i fancied our chances to score more goals in an open match. Bayer have a tougher defense no doubt, and in general better balance.
The "German" effect
No discrimination, but i always respected the German teams ability to be calm nuder pressure, most of the time. They have a nerve of steel and usually know how to handle such occasions, and they might use that to their advantage.
Advantages of meeting Bayer?
First Final
Fact is, its the first time they are in such a big occasion. I don't think it would effect them as it did Valencia in 2000, but it might.
Our Record
Our record in CL finals is very good, and our record against Bayer in the last few years (all in CL) is very good. I hope these continue to be very good!
Missing players
I would have slept easier if Ballack was out!

but still, no Nowotny and Ze Roberto is a blow for Bayer.
I think two key elements to our succed will fall on Zidane and Figo. Both are big players who have achieved alot, but are dying to win this trophy. They are now at the stage to do it, if they bring their top game (as they should), it would be very hard for Bayer to stop them.
So, what do you guys think of this game?