Champions League Final 2012: Chelsea's UEFA Magic Will Come to an End

Chelsea's magical run in the 2012 UEFA Champions League will come to an end on Saturday against Bayern Munich.

It's been a special ride towards the ultimate goal, but the odds are stacked against the Blues. However, unlike prior games, these odds will prove too much to overcome.

Here are a few reasons why Munich will walk away with the crown.

Player Suspensions

Chelsea will be without Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles, John Terry and Ramires. Bayern Munich will be without Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber.

Advantage steers towards Munich.

Ivanovic and Terry have been strong in the back for the majority of the season. Not having these two players against a high-power offense like Munich will be a major difference maker.

Home Field

Even though both teams will be rewarded with the same amount of percentage in terms of tickets, the game is still being played at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Like it or not, home field is still going to have a major impact on Saturday's contest.

Overachieving in UEFA Champions League

Eventually, against all odds, Chelsea's magic has to run out, right?

They underachieved significantly in the English Premier League posting 64 points, five off a top-four UEFA berth. Fernando Torres finished tied for third in goals scored with six in the Premier League.

The same guy who was under fire all season long and rightfully so.

Yet, despite all of their misfortune in the Premier League, they have found success in other competitions. They defeated Barcelona despite a lofty possession disadvantage; they capitalized on just about every opportunity and they caught some breaks.

It went as far as Torres scoring the goal against Barcelona that guaranteed Chelsea's UEFA Champion's League Final berth.

Maybe Chelsea continues to play well in this tournament, but I don't see it happening. Bayern Munich is the more complete team, and I think they will prove it on Saturday.

Prediction

Munich exposes Chelsea's defense in a 3-2 game that is well-played on both ends.