I have to confess to being gutted that Magician is set to miss Saturday's Derby.
Intensity
They have to find a way to match the energy, organisation and desire of these two well-oiled German machines. While other sides have pressed with similar intensity in fits and starts, these two keep it up for long periods.
This season the German sides have set the standard but I agree with Sky Bet that it's a gap that can be bridged and you know that after watching the final, head coaches around Europe will already have their plans in place.
It will be far harder to catch up with the two clubs' stature off the field. The fanatical support comes from the 'identity' both clubs have. Their ownership, organisation and philosophy means the club and its fans go hand in hand.
Add to that the core of home grown players, who buy in to the club's philosophy, and you have the perfect model for a healthy, stable football club.
The German core and identity is at the heart of their success on and off the field.
As we stand of the verge of probably the biggest summer spending spree in European football history, with Monaco already leading the way, clubs would do well to remember the model that has taken Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to the top table.
