Bayern Munich finally lifted the Bundesliga trophy on Saturday, completing a season that saw them rewrite the record books while giving departing midfielder Leon Goretzka a farewell fitting of a legend.
The Bavarians routed Cologne 5-1 in the final round, with Harry Kane's fourth hat trick of the season lifting his tally to 36 goals — five shy of Robert Lewandowski's league record from 2020-21. Tom Bischof and Nicolas Jackson also found the net as Bayern finished with 122 goals, comfortably eclipsing the previous Bundesliga mark of 101 set by the 1971-72 version of the club.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
A record that didn't need much decoration
Goretzka, leaving after eight seasons, broke the record with five rounds remaining — a goal that essentially turned the remaining fixtures into a victory lap. "We have a great group, a great togetherness, and to celebrate success with that is awesome," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said after his second league title with the club.
The triumph extends Bayern's dominance to all but one season since Borussia Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2012. The lone exception was Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten domestic run in 2024.
Olise's quiet excellence
French winger Michael Olise, who contributed 15 goals and 22 assists across 32 appearances, was named Bundesliga player of the season — a recognition that caught few but deserved many.
Thewait and the spray
Vincent Kompany's side wrapped up the title with four rounds to spare, though the players had to wait until Saturday before getting their hands on the trophy. Captain Manuel Neuer, who extended his contract on Friday, handed the silverware to Goretzka for the hoist as confetti fell and Queen's "We Are The Champions" blared over the speakers.
The traditional beer showers followed immediately, with giant pitchers appearing on the field and anyone managing to stay dry becoming a rare sight. Defender Dayot Upamecano doused Kompany before the soaked coach managed to join his family on the sideline.
"I'd say today it's OK to celebrate a little," midfielder Joshua Kimmich said. "Then we have a week and then we'll be fully focused on the cup final."
Bayern faces defending champion Stuttgart in the German Cup final next Saturday at Berlin's Olympiastadion.