Bayern Munich’s hopes of turning over the ‘Special One’ in the Champions League have been rocked by the news Franck Ribery will be out through suspension (23/10 Bayern Munich 9/4 draw 6/5 Internazionale – match betting).
The Frenchman will be forced to serve a three-match ban after the Court of Arbitration for Sport threw out Bayern’s appeal to have it overturned and the France winger will now have to watch from the stands.
Ribery was initially serving a one-match ban following his sending off against Lyon in the first leg of the semi-final but somewhat foolishly the Germans decided to appeal and it was increased to three games.
How they will be wishing they had not bothered because the skillfull winger will be a huge loss as they try to plot the downfall of Inter and Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu.
A CAS statement read: “A hearing was held at the CAS headquarters today, during which the parties and their legal representatives were heard.
“The CAS Panel has dismissed the appeal and confirmed the three-game suspension imposed by the Uefa appeals body on the Bayern Munich player Franck Ribery.
“Accordingly, the player will not be eligible to play in the final of the 2010 Champions League.”
Bayern can take heart from the fact they brushed aside Lyon 4-0 in the second leg as Ivica Olic grabbed a hat-trick but it will be a different kettle of fish against Inter who will not surrender like the French did.
There is no doubt Olic will be needed again if Bayern are to have a chance and the striker is priced 13/2 First Goalscorer while a price of 40/1 is available on him repeating his heroics in Lyon.
Robben is also going to be a key man for Bayern (15/2 to score first goal) and he has shown throughout the tournament that when he is on his game he can hurt anyone. The question is which Robben will turn up in Madrid?
Ribery will be sorely missed but if Olic and Robben find their shooting boots then the Germans may have a chance of upsetting the odds.
ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.