Bayern Munich has once again claimed the throne. On the day they regained the lost trophy, Harry Kane finally fulfilled his career's first victory.
On the 10th (Korea Standard Time), Bayern Munich faced Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 33rd round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga home match at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, and won decisively by 2-0. Although they had already secured the league title, they concluded their last home game of the season with a victory, completing a true 'champions' night' with the fans.
With this victory, Bayern Munich recorded 79 points (24 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses) and continued an unbeaten streak of 8 games (5 wins and 3 draws). The 'Meisterschale' trophy, which had been taken by Bayer Leverkusen two years ago, returned to Bayern Munich in the first season under manager Kompany.
Kompany's Bayern Munich proves its completeness
On this day, Bayern Munich operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Kane was at the center, with Coman, Müller, and Olise positioned in the second line, and Goretzka and Kimmich controlling the midfield. The defensive line included Dier, Stanisic, Lymer, and Geheiru, with Manuel Neuer, who returned to the starting lineup, guarding the goal. Neuer saved the team during critical moments with his still-sharp reflexes.
In the 22nd minute of the first half, a deflected ball off Kane almost led to an own goal, but Neuer responded quickly to prevent the concession. Shortly after, Bayern Munich seized the momentum, scoring the first goal in the 31st minute. Olise curled a shot from outside the box, and Kane slightly redirected it with his head, shaking the net. It was a moment when Kane's name lit up the scoreboard once again.
In the second half, Bayern Munich maintained control. Borussia Mönchengladbach's sporadic counterattacks were thwarted by Dier's perfect tackles and Neuer's super saves, preventing further developments. In the 45th minute of the second half, Sané broke through on the right and delivered an accurate pass, which Olise finished off to seal the victory with a 2-0 final goal.
A legend's farewell, the beginning of a legend
In the closing moments of the match, Müller's substitution created an emotional scene. Müller, whose contract expires this summer, was substituted in the 39th minute for Serge Gnabry, finishing his last match at Allianz Arena amid standing applause from the home fans. It was a fitting farewell for a 'legend' who had written countless trophies and history.
The victory ceremony that took place after the match was as heated as a long-suppressed roar bursting forth. Manager Kompany and the players took turns lifting the trophy, followed by the traditional beer shower.
The one who received the hottest attention was undoubtedly Harry Kane. After making his professional debut at Tottenham in 2011 and living 14 years without a trophy, the word 'victory' was finally etched into his career. He experienced numerous runner-up finishes with the England national team and Tottenham but could never break through the final barrier, and Kane finally realized his dream.
He left Tottenham last season to win, but ironically, Bayern Munich ended that year without a trophy. Even Kane faced joking criticisms as 'the presence that prevents victory.' However, this season he recorded 25 goals and 7 assists in 30 matches, leading the team's attack and firmly standing at the center of the champions.
After the match, Kane kissed the trophy and took photos with his family, smiling brightly even amid the beer shower from his teammates. He said, 'I can't believe it. I've fought for this moment for a long time,' adding, 'The results of many sacrifices and efforts have come to fruition today. I'm grateful to be able to be with such an excellent team.'
Bayern Munich's reset, Kane's turnaround
Bayern Munich seemed to be shaken after its 11-year winning streak in the Bundesliga was broken last season, but quickly regained organization after Kompany took over, dominating the league with consistent points acquisition throughout the season. Kane's goals, Neuer's leadership, and the contributions of players like Olise and Coman created a collective victory.
Next season, Bayern Munich will carry the champion title onto the European stage. And after 14 years, Kane gleamed with joy holding the trophy.
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