Bayern Munich secured their record-extending 34th German league title on Sunday after their last remaining challengers, Bayer Leverkusen, were held to a 2-2 draw away at Freiburg. The result leaves Bayern with an unassailable eight-point lead with just two games left to play in the Bundesliga season.
Leverkusen needed a victory to keep their slim title hopes alive after Bayern had drawn 3-3 with RB Leipzig on Saturday. However, Freiburg’s determined performance ensured that Vincent Kompany’s Bayern side could celebrate their triumph without even taking to the pitch on Sunday.
“We can take a moment now to enjoy winning the Bundesliga,” said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. “What an incredible feeling! I want to congratulate the players for their outstanding effort throughout the season. You’ve done this together. You’ve won it as a team.” Kompany, in his first season at the helm, added, “The season’s not over yet, and there’s still so much to look forward to. Let’s finish strong, together.”
Bayern’s players gathered in Munich to watch Leverkusen’s game, and celebrations erupted as the final whistle blew. Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane, who clinched his first major career title at the age of 31, posted a jubilant video of himself and his teammates singing “We are the Champions.” The England captain is also on track to become the first player in Bundesliga history to be the league’s top scorer in his first two seasons.
Freiburg, still fighting for a Champions League spot, took control of their match against a lackluster Leverkusen side. Maximilian Eggestein’s deflected shot gave them the lead just before halftime, and Piero Hincapie’s own goal early in the second half doubled their advantage.
Leverkusen mounted a late comeback, with Florian Wirtz scoring a brilliant solo goal in the 82nd minute and Jonathan Tah equalizing in stoppage time. However, despite extending their unbeaten away league run to a record-equaling 33 games, they couldn’t find a winner.
“Congratulations to Bayern,” conceded Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso. “It is a deserved league win. They were the better, the more consistent team.”
Bayern will be presented with the Bundesliga trophy next Saturday in their final home game of the season against Borussia Moenchengladbach and will also participate in the revamped Club World Cup in the United States in June.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.