Chelsea are underdogs against Bayern Munich, says Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack, who spent four years at Chelsea and four years with Bayern Munich,
says the German side are favourites in the Champions League final

Michael Ballack has branded Chelsea underdogs in Saturday's Champions League final but insisted they could "upset the odds" against Bayern Munich.

Ballack spent four years with both clubs and was part of the Blues side beaten on penalties by Manchester United in their only previous final appearance in 2008.

The 35-year-old declared Bayern favourites for Saturday's showdown, with it being played at their own Allianz Arena, but refused to rule out Chelsea reproducing their stunning semi-final triumph against Barcelona.

"Of course Chelsea can upset the odds – they did it against Barcelona," Ballack told Chelsea TV. "Everything looks like Bayern are favourites, they are playing at home which is a big advantage in a final.

"They kicked out Real Madrid in the semis and, although they were two tight games, they deserved it. They have a good team and were in the final two years ago, when they lost against Inter, so they're very hungry.

"But Chelsea know their strengths and know their quality. They've had a difficult season but, in the last few weeks, have showed what they can do. They play exactly how they know they have to in order to win and they still have unbelievable quality."