The Result Has A Second Meaning
Bayern Munich finally got its hands on the Bundesliga trophy on Saturday, completing a season that rewrote the record books. A Harry Kane hat trick — his fourth of the campaign — powered a 5-1 rout of Cologne, lifting the striker to 36 league goals, five short of Robert Lewandowski's mark from 2020-21.
The victory pushed Bayern's season total to 122 goals, comfortably eclipsing the previous Bundesliga high of 101 set by the 1971-72 version of this club featuring Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller. Leon Goretzka broke the record itself with a goal that arrived while five rounds remained.
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
"We have a great group, a great togetherness, and to celebrate success with that is awesome," said Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl, now with his second league title at the club.
The title was secured with four matches to spare, but the players waited until Saturday to lift the trophy. Captain Manuel Neuer, who extended his contract on Friday, handed it to Goretzka to raise skyward as confetti fell and Queen's "We Are The Champions" blared across the stadium. The traditional beer showers followed — giant pitchers appeared on the pitch and anyone dry became a target. Defender Dayot Upamecano doused coach Vincent Kompany before the soaked coach could reach his family on the sideline.
The Part Worth Keeping
"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 plays defending champion Stuttgart in the German Cup final at Berlin's Olympiastadion next Saturday.
French winger Michael Olise, who contributed 15 goals and 22 assists across 32 appearances, was named Bundesliga player of the season as the celebrations unfolded.