Bayern Munich won their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, beating Cologne 1-0 to overtake Borussia Dortmund on goal difference. The title-defining day swung back and forth, with Bayern needing to win and hope Dortmund failed to beat Mainz at home. Kingsley Coman gave Bayern the lead after 8 minutes, but their hopes looked to be dashed when Dejan Ljubicic equalised for Cologne from the penalty spot with just nine minutes remaining. However, Jamal Musiala broke Dortmund’s hearts with an expert finish from inside the box in the closing seconds.
The title win marked a successful end to the season for manager Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann in March. Minutes after the final whistle, Bayern announced the dismissals of chief executive officer Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, who won 14 titles between them as Bayern players. “Instead of celebrating, we now have another issue” Tuchel said in response to the sackings.
The title was Bayern’s first since 1999-2000, when they beat Bayer Leverkusen to the crown, and it was a record 12th Bundesliga title for forward Thomas Muller. He and injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who missed the second half of the season after breaking his leg on a skiing holiday, lifted the trophy together. Musiala, Germany’s former England Under-21 midfielder, also scored in the game that sealed Bayern the title last season – a 3-1 win over Dortmund – and at 20 years old he has already played in four championship campaigns.