Key players

Valencia

Gaizka Mendieta (Midfield) - Mendieta is the man who could unlock the final for Valencia. An influential playmaker, he was born in Bilbao but made his Spanish first division debut with CD Castellon before joining Valencia in 1992. A regular in the Spanish national team, his goal and overall performance against Leeds United in the semi-final showed how inspirational he can be.

Pablo Aimar (Midfield) - Argentinian Aimar arrived at Valencia from River Plate in January this year with a massive reputation as one of the brightest stars in world football - and a price tag to match of a club record $22 million. The 21-year-old may be small, but his football brain is second to none, earning rave reviews from Johann Cruyff.

John Carew (Striker) - Norwegian striker Carew is just 21 and is one of Europe's brightest young stars. He first made his name at Valerenga IF, before joining Rosenborg in 1999 after netting 30 goals in 57 games for Valerenga. He joined Valencia in July 2000 for a Norwegian record of $9 million.

Bayern Munich

Oliver Kahn (Goalkeeper) - Kahn (31) has been the rock on which Bayern's recent success has been built.

Bixente Lizarazu (Defence) - A skilful leftback who won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships with France. After joining Bayern in 1997, the 31-year-old missed the 1999 Champions League final defeat to Manchester United through injury but is expected to play a key role against Valencia.

Stefan Effenberg (Midfield) - Effenberg (32) has a hot-headed streak, as revealed when he made abusive gestures at disappointed German fans in the 1994 World Cup which led to then coach Berti Vogts banning him from the side, but he is one of the engines of the Bayern team, directing play from midfield. A huge favourite with the Bayern fans despite a stormy off-the-field past.

Giovane Elber (Striker) - The Brazilian 28-year-old's athletic ability and quick thinking make him deadly in the opponent's penalty area alongside giant striker Carsten Jancker and Paulo Sergio. Previously played for AC Milan, Grasshoppers and VfB Stuttgart.