Betting tips / Michael Lintorn / 15 May 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Bayern Munich go into the Champions League following a heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup, something Michael Lintorn sees as favouring outsiders Chelsea for what they can learn from the loss.

Bayern Munich head into the weekend's Champions League final knowing it's their only chance of silverware this season after once again being defied by Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup final.

Dortmund had already done the double over their rivals - luckily according to Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - en route to retaining the Bundesliga title and reemphasised their dominance of German football with a 5-2 victory in Berlin.

Their top-scorer Robert Lewandowski, who home hopes will rest on for Poland at Euro 2012, was the hero with a hat-trick.

Though a Bayern reaction in front of their fans at the Allianz Arena has to be expected on Saturday, this was a result that Chelsea will obviously be able to pluck several positives from.

Firstly, it acts as a reminder that, for all the quality that Jupp Heynckes' side boast in attack, they have endured a turbulent campaign similar to the Blues, flitting between perfection and ineptitude, and lack the air of invincibility usually carried by Champions League finalists - including the last three winners.

And in addition to the inevitable wound to morale ahead of a match of such enormous magnitude - and pressure given the venue that it takes place - the effect that two cup finals in eight days will have on Bayern's legs shouldn't be underestimated.

Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and, barring brief cameos, Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba, were rested as Chelsea saw off Blackburn in their final irrelevant Premier League game, and have effectively been allowed two weeks to rest up since lifting the FA Cup.

By contrast, Bayern went full strength into their first domestic cup final loss this century, several stars underperforming as Dortmund built on a first-half in which they capitalised fully on the few chances that went their way to assume a 3-1 lead.

Bayern remain favourites to claim the Champions League for the first time in 11 years though, at Betfair odds of 1.48, with Chelsea heading to Germany as 3.05 Betfair outsiders.