Ballack backs Bayern to beat Blues

Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea player Michael Ballack has backed the German club to beat the Blues in the Champions League final.

Ballack, who currently plies his trade with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, enjoyed successful spells with both clubs. He spent four seasons with Bayern between 2002 and 2006, before making the switch to Stamford Bridge, where he played a pivotal role in the club's continued success following back-to-back Premier League titles. The 35-year-old returned to Germany in 2010 to join Leverkusen, but he has kept a close eye on the fortunes of this year's Champions League finalists and has today had his say on how he thinks the showpiece game at Bayern's Allianz Arena will pan out. "I think Barcelona would have been the only team capable of contesting a final abroad and winning it. It is a huge advantage when you are at home in a final, where a lot of emotions play a role. This is an emotional advantage that Chelsea cannot compensate for." Ballack was quick to add, however, that he will be keeping his fingers crossed "for both teams", explaining that he has fond memories of his time with each of the clubs.