Overview
In this year's edition of the UEFA Super Cup, which pits the current Champions League holders against the Europa League winners, Chelsea will meet Bayern Munich in a game littered with sub-plots. The match will take place on Friday night and will be held outside of Monaco for the first time. It will be played in Prague's Eden Arena.
Although the trophy is considerably less glamorous than the Champions League and Europa League, both teams will be keen to add another European honour to their trophy cabinet.
Mourinho vs. Guardiola
After their fierce rivalry in Spain, new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will see former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola again. As managers of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, they shared a relationship far from cordial.
Guardiola's Barcelona dominated both domestic and European competition for years, even being heralded as the greatest club of all time. In response, Real Madrid hired Jose Mourinho in the hope of putting a halt to the Catalans' superiority.
Whether Mourinho was successful or not is still a topic of debate but he did managed to wrestle the La Liga title away from Madrid's old rivals in 2012 amid steady media controversy over his destabilization tactics. That season would be Guardiola's last at Barcelona, his retirement somewhat overshadowing Madrid's league triumph.
Both managers face each other for the first time since Mourinho's Madrid defeated Barcelona at the Camp Nou to clinch the league title in 2012.
2012 Champions League Final
The Champions League final was played between Bayern Munich and Chelsea in 2012 at Bayern's home ground the Allianz Arena.
With the German team desperate to win at home, they seemed on course to do so after taking the lead in 83 minute, thanks to Thomas Muller. 1-0 up and with two minutes to go, Bayern fans were beginning to celebrate winning the trophy, until Didier Drogba powered home a header from a corner. The 88-minute equalizer shifted the momentum back in favour of the English team. Bayern rallied in extra time and were awarded a penalty after Drogba fouled Frank Ribery inside the box. Arjen Robben missed the penalty kick. Extra time ended in a 1-1 and Chelsea went on to win the penalty shoot-out.
The loss was noticeably devastating on Bayern's players who roundly disappointed their home fans. The last minute triumph of Chelsea rubbed more salt to the wounds. Bayern's Champions League victory in 2013 eased some of the heartache, but needless to say, the German team will be searching for some measure of revenge in this game.
Team News
Bayern Munich: Thiago Alcantara is out with an ankle injury while Holger Badstuber is still recovering from knee problems. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez are doubtful with ankle and abdomen problems respectively.
Possible Starting Line-Up: Manuel Neur, Phillipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Dante, David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Frank Ribery, Mario Mandzukic
Chelsea: The only injury concern for Jose Mourinho is center back David Luiz, who is out with a hamstring injury.
Possible Starting Line-Up: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Andre Shurrle, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Fernando Torres
Where to Watch
Kick-off is at 12:15am IST (Saturday, 31 August) and live coverage will be available on Ten Action.
