Champions League winners Bayern Munich and Europa League holders Chelsea meet in the European Super Cup on Friday with the usually relaxed atmosphere surrounding the match spiced up as there are several scores to be settled.
Bayern still feel they should have won the Champions League a year earlier only to be beaten by Chelsea on penalties -- even worse for the Germans was it came at their stadium, the Allianz Arena. The present incumbent Jose Mourinho - Benitez’ spell as caretaker manager ended at the end of last season - will be eager to put one over Bayern’s coach Pep Guardiola, his nemesis from his days in Spain.
Guardiola, though, can deliver something that Bayern coaches have not managed and win the Super Cup after the club failed to do so on three previous occasions. “It’s a unique chance for us players to win this trophy,” said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It’s a final, and a match against the Europa League winners, and that’s Chelsea.
“We still have something to clear with them, and take revenge, so hopefully we can win in Prague.” Jose for his part has never lifted the Super Cup but if he succeeds this time it will give Chelsea their second Super Cup. They last won in 1998.