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Bayern Munich wrapped up their 11th straight Bundesliga title in dramatic fashion as they defeated Koln 2-1 away from home on the final day of the Bundesliga season. This means they also overtook archrivals Borussia Dortmund who could only draw 2-2 at home to Mainz and won the Bundesliga title on goal difference, despite finishing level on points with the pursuing Dortmund side.  

Under normal circumstances, Bayern winning yet another Bundesliga title is normal, even expected. This season has been anything but the usual routine for the Bavarian giants, however. The fact that they had to sack a coach due to underperformance, and lost Manuel Neuer, their captain and starting goalkeeper mid-season, speaks volumes about the type of torrid season that the perennial Bundesliga champions experienced. 

Borussia Dortmund had a special second half of the season and proved to be worthy opposition for Bayern Munich. As a matter of fact, one could argue that they should have won the league, especially considering the advantage they had themselves going into the final day of the season. However, history only remembers the winners and what the record books will show is that Borussia Dortmund have failed to win the Bundesliga for 11 straight seasons. 

**Pivotal moments** 

Like any title challenge, there were a number of moments during the season that we can pinpoint as pivotal moments in the title.  

One of these turning points was when German captain and Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer broke his foot right after the world cup when he went skiing. Not only has he been one of the best Bayern/German players over the past decade, he has also been one of the best footballers in the world, period. His absence automatically meant a drop in quality for Bayern, despite the signing of Swiss International Yann Sommer. 

Another was when Borussia Dortmund summer signing, Sebastian Haller returned from a successful cancer treatment to lead the Black and Yellow attack for the 2nd half of the season. The Cote d’Ivoire striker had been ruled out indefinitely after his positive cancer diagnosis for testicular cancer but was able to return in January and lead the charge for his team with nine goals and impeccable centre forward play, contributing 9 goals along the way.   

**Betting patterns from the season** 

Traditionally known for their free-flowing football, Dortmund didn’t fail to deliver for tipsters as they regularly met their Over 2.5 quota (24 out of their 34 league games) which was the most recommended betting tip for this particular team. 

As expected, Bayern was the best team in the Bundesliga, ranking first for goals per game (2.7), least goals conceded per game (1.1), average possession (64.6%), expected goals (76.2), Big chances created/ missed (102/84), accurate passes per game (542.7), successful tackles per game (11.4) and possesion won in the final third per game (6.6) 

All in all, both teams performed as expected; Bayern was as dominant as usual, and Dortmund continued to be the great entertainers who constantly fail to get their attacking performances converted into enough wins to win a trophy. 

**What both clubs will take away from the season** 

This particular success came as a relief for Bayern Munich as they had faced severe criticism for sacking former manager Julian Nagelsmann after losing confidence in his ability to deliver trophies at the capital.  

Former Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel took over, but soon exited both cup competitions (losing to Man City in the UCL Quarter finals and Freiburg in the DFB Pokal) within his first 3 weeks on the job. If Dortmund had won, as expected, he and Bayern would have finished the season trophyless and faced some harsh criticism. Luckily for the German giants, Jamal Musiala’s late winner at Koln prevented tougher questions from being asked of Bayern and their manager. 

There are few things neutrals enjoy as much a fairy tale ending and many Football fans were rooting for Marco Reus to win his first Bundesliga title. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the Dortmund captain. His side had to fight from 2 goals with him starting on the bench and only managed to earn a point in a game where they were the clear bookmakers’ favorite. This, just like every other occasion where they failed to make their advantage count over the course of the season, ultimately proved to be their undoing. 

While we are all in agreement that this is a bitter pill for Dortmund and Edin Terzic to swallow, they must now return to the drawing board and strategize for the upcoming season.  
 
**Early predictions for the next season** 

It’s looking like a busy summer for both of Germany’s premier clubs already. Sadio Mane, World-class player that he is, has unfortunately failed to settle at Bayern and could be on the move this summer.  

Leroy Sane is another player who might be surplus to Tuchel’s needs, as well as Serge Gnabry. Joao Cancelo’s situation is also iffy- he could stay or leave. Arsenal has been reported to be interested in the Portuguese full back and will try to test Manchester City’s resolve to not sell them anymore players with a substantial bid.  

Dortmund, on the other hand, will look to catch up with Bayern the only way they can – through investing smartly and relying on their manager to build a team greater than the sum of its parts.  

It will be next to impossible to keep hold of Jude Bellingham who is a hot property across Europe. They will also do well to make some defensive signings to join Haller and Karim Adeyemi in attack next season. Marco Reus will always be beloved in Borussia Dortmund, but next season might finally see the captain take a reduced role in the team.  

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