A hunt for treble in the UCL final

For the first time since 2015, two clubs are set to battle in the Uefa Champions League (UCL) final not just for Europe's most prestigious trophy, but for the European treble. Both PSG and Bayern Munich have won their domestic league and cup titles, and a win at Lisbon will only ensure that the triplet will be in their bag. 

But still, two teams sit at opposite ends as the final knocks on the door. PSG are aiming for their first-ever UCL title whereas the Bavarians look for their sixth. Bayern have crushed Chelsea, Barcelona and Lyon on their way and look indomitable. On the contrary, PSG had to struggle past Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and conviction was only seen against RB Leipzig in the semis. 

Yet, with the attacking firepower both teams possess, the game is already generating hype. And after a dull final last year, this match really doesn't need much to meet the expectations. 

Neymar's time has come 

Since joining PSG in 2017, Neymar has seen himself injured at the crucial stages of UCL in the past two seasons. This season though, he has been fit and led his side to the final, showcasing why the club spent 222 million Euros to bring him in. 

Neymar's only UCL triumph came in 2015 with Barcelona, clinching the club's fifth. But since then, the final seemed elusive to both and the Brazilian southpaw is the one to break the deadlock. 

Gary Linekar had said after Neymar leaving Barcelona that the only way out from the Catalan club was backwards. But already with a place in the final, Neymar has proven the English legend and pundit wrong and winning the title will prove why Neymar decided to leave the club. 

Flick's tactical tensions

Hansi Flick has done nothing bar a miracle with this Bayern side. A team which was struggling even in the Bundesliga, have now reached the UCL final with a 29-game unbeaten streak. But ahead of the final, Flick will surely be having some tactical concerns as PSG's attack is one of world's elites combining Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. 

Flick's Bayern field a 4-2-3-1 side with a very high backline, leaving oceans of green behind. It worked against Barcelona as the Catalan club had no speedstar to use up that space. But with someone like Mbappe at the opposite end, Flick must have double thoughts about whether to implement such a high line as it might result in being suicidal. 

A chance at history 

Both the clubs are eyeing the treble ahead of the final, PSG are a step ahead, eyeing a quadruple after winning all three domestic titles in France. 

If Bayern wins, it will be the second treble for the Bavarians after their triumph in 2012-13. This will equal them with Barcelona as the second club to win the European treble twice. 

Personal achievements are also in the mix as Bayern's star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has 15 goals in this year's UCL, will look to break the competition record of 17 goals by Cristiano Ronaldo in the final. If the Polish striker manages to find the net in the final, he will also have the incredible achievement of scoring in every UCL match in a season to his name. 

Possible Lineups 

Considering PSG's speedy attack, Flick might opt for the more conservative Benjamin Pavard at right-back, with Joshua Kimmich pushed up front to midfield in place of Leon Goretzka. Center-back Jerome Boateng went off with an injury in the semi-final tie and if he is deemed unfit, Nikolas Sule will take his place. 

Bayern Munich XI: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba, Alphonso Davies, Thiago Alcantara, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, Ivan Perisic, Robert Lewandowski 

Thomas Tuchel might not bring any changes to his side who have fared well till now. But if Marco Verratti is declared fit, the German coach might push Marquinhos back to the defence line with the Italian midfielder taking his place. Also, goalkeeper Keylor Navas' match fitness is still a doubt and if he does not recover in time, Sergio Rico will keep his place.

PSG XI: Keylor Navas, Thilo Kehrer, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Juan Bernat, Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Ander Herrera, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria

PSG have longed for a UCL title for quite some time now and the big bucks spent in recent years have finally paid dividends. For Bayern, the wait is now seven-year long and with a machine-like side, probably this is their best chance in years. But whatever happens, the tie is set to be a display of attacking football with two top-heavy sides. Who comes out as victors, that is for time to answer.