Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea: Pivotal Keys to a Chelsea Victory

Chelsea must play a magnificent game in today's UEFA Champions League final if they want to walk away with a victory.

The Blues will have their hands full with four suspended players and an Allianz Arena crowd.

Ramires, John Terry, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic will not play against Bayern Munich. This devastates the defensive side of this Chelsea team, on defense and in the midfield.

Chelsea must do certain things to make up for their absences on defense.

Let's take a look at keys to a Blues victory.

Stay Focused

The Blues must maintain their cool from the opening whistle.

It's easy to lose your head without former captain John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic's solid presence on the backside, but Chelsea must push past it.

Bayern Munich will want to fire the crowd up and get on the board early. They will look to attack the beleaguered Chelsea defense and put stress on the remaining starters.

Ramires and Meireles would help, but their defensive presence in the midfield will also be vacant from the Champions League final match.

Chelsea will need absolute concentration from the early going. They must not let Bayern Munich get in their heads, and they must not let Munich on the board early.

Petr Cech

Petr Cech is a world-class keeper. He has won the Best Goalkeeper award three times in the UEFA Champions League.

With Chelsea's defense in shambles, Cech must step his game up in a big way.

Cech has made 256 career appearances with Chelsea. His experience is needed now more than ever. He must take control of today's game.

He could, though, be left out to dry on several occasions. He will need to make a few big saves to keep Chelsea in the game and keep his team confident.

Big saves can reinvigorate a squad. When players know the keeper is on his game, they tend to play with more confidence overall.

Cech must inspire his team with his best game of the season.

Get Drogba the Ball

Didier Drogba must control Chelsea's offense and force Bayern Munich to expend energy defending him.

Drogba is one of the world's best center strikers. He is incredibly strong and uses his power to create space in the open field.

Bayern Munich's midfield is not defensive-minded, and their defenders have been shaky throughout the year. This should have Drogba thinking attack.

Droga has scored 10 goals in 30 total games between the English Premier League and the Champions League this year. He is not the player he once was, but he is still a potential force.

Chelsea are going to need goals, and Drogba is known for his play in big games.

A Drogba goal could change momentum completely.

Lampard's Creativity

Frank Lampard's creativity must crack the lid on Bayern Munich's defense in order for Chelsea to win.

Lampard's box-to-box presence will be on full display today. He must influence the Champions League final on the offensive end and provide leadership on the defensive side of the pitch.

Lampard is known as one of the world's most dynamic midfielders for a reason. He sees the field extremely well and knows when to make the right pass. He sees passing opportunities that other players do not.

Bayern Munich's midfielders are talented but extremely offensive-minded. This should give Lampard plenty of room to operate.

Chelsea need Lampard to weave his presence throughout the Munich defense. He puts stress on a defense and can change the entire game with one big play.

Keep Schweinsteiger Under Wraps

Bastian Schweinsteiger is the pulse of the Bayern Munich attack.

Schweinsteiger does not concern himself with defense most of the time, but Chelsea must make sure he does not get space to operate with the ball at his feet.

He is extremely creative with his passing and can fire a rocket shot at any time. He knows how to work a defense and is always looking for the big play.

Chelsea need to neutralize Schweinsteiger's play-making capabilities.

He is the players who will blow the top off of Chelsea's patchwork defense with one try, if Chelsea gives him time to do so.

Blue defenders must focus on taking away Schweinsteiger's time and space in the open field.