Bayern, Dortmund relish roles in Champions League final

LONDON - Bayern Munich is trying to play things down as the title favorite, while outsider Borussia Dortmund is eager to play up its chances.

Even before a ball is kicked in Saturday's Champions League final, the German rivals are at odds in their approach to the biggest game in club football.

Bayern is approaching its third final in four years with the self-assured calm of a team fully in control after a season of dominance, while Dortmund is enjoying the role of underdog with everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Bayern winger Thomas Mueller summed up his side's mood on Friday, saying that the showdown is just "a normal Champion League game."

"Of course you get goose bumps when you're on the pitch and we know what's at stake. We won't let it drive us crazy though," the 23-year-old said.

There was a similar sense of focus from Bayern captain Philipp Lahm, who sees victory for his side as a matter of progression ahead.

"The players are the right age now, the right character. There's nothing against us winning tomorrow," said Lahm, who added that he wouldn't be surprised if Bayern was to play a fourth final in five years next season.

Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp is happy with one.

"If this is the only final in my life, this is the perfect place for it, and this is the perfect opponent," said Klopp, who spoke of the honor of playing at Wembley Stadium.

Klopp said it was clear his side was the rank outsider, but he added that his players were determined to make the most of their opportunity.

"We will approach the game with unbridled enthusiasm, with huge motivation for the task, and with the knowledge it can all go to pieces," Klopp said.

"But people have climbed Mount Everest knowing that they could fall three meters from the top and yet they still tried it. And that's why we're going to try too, and hope for good weather."

While Klopp was speaking metaphorically, London greeted both teams with traditional British weather, and unrelenting drizzle.

Bayern is driven by the pain of losing last year's final to Chelsea on penalties - in Munich.

"We hope of course that Wembley is better and that the stadium brings us luck," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes declared.