The Pressure Shows Up Early
Bayern Munich finally got its hands on the Bundesliga trophy on Saturday, and Harry Kane made sure the celebration came with a highlight reel. The England striker bagged his fourth hat trick of the season in a 5-1 rout of Cologne, lifting his tally to 36 goals — just five shy of Robert Lewandowski's league record from 2020-21.
Tom Bischof and Nicolas Jackson added the other goals as Bayern finished with 122 goals overall, comfortably eclipsing the previous Bundesliga record of 101 set by the 1971-72 Bayern team featuring Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller.
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
Leon Goretzka, departing after eight seasons, scored the goal that broke the record — with five rounds still to play. "We have a great group, a great togetherness, and to celebrate success with that is awesome," said board member for sport Max Eberl, earning his second league title with the club.
French winger Michael Olise, who contributed 15 goals and 22 assists across 32 appearances, was named Bundesliga player of the season. Vincent Kompany's side wrapped up the title with four rounds remaining, though players had to wait until Saturday to lift the trophy.
The Detail That Tilts It
Manuel Neuer, who extended his contract by another year on Friday, handed the trophy to Goretzka for the hoist. The captain's gesture triggered confetti and Queen blasting from the speakers — the traditional preamble to the beer showers that followed.
Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano doused Kompany before the soaked coach could 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 at Berlin's Olympiastadion next Saturday.