Munich, April 27 (IANS) It might sound ironical but to win the German football league is something natural for a club like Bayern Munich, but at the same time, not to win it is regarded as something near a catastrophe.
The 1-0 win over Hertha BSC via Bastian Schweinsteiger’s goal helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title as early as the 30th matchday. Bayern have won the ‘Meisterschaft’ for the 25th time — 1932 for the first time — which is an impressive figure, reports Xinhua.
Bayern secured the trophy four match days before the season ends as second-placed VfL Wolfsburg can’t overtake Bayern anymore after a 0-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach.
But for now there won’t be any celebrations on the balcony of the townhall at Marienplatz at the city centre here where Bayern traditionally celebrate important titles with thousands of fans and a nationwide TV broadcast.
To be the best in Germany in 2015 is no reason to party for Bayern stars, their renowned coach Pep Guardiola and officials like chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. There is one special thing that stands above all — the Champions League (final to be played on June 6 in Berlin).
For the German Cup final on May 30 in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, Bayern have another heavyweight competition that helps to secure the exceptional national position. To win the Champions League would be the shining star and the thing that decides the question: was it a good season or not and how successful is Guardiola as Bayern coach? The German title is just one stage of a long journey.
Despite the title, both semifinals — one in German Cup against Borussia Dortmund next Tuesday and the other, more important, in Champions League against Spanish giants FC Barcelona on May 6 and 12 — is what counts.
No doubt the German title is what all regard as the most ‘honest’ one as it is decided after a long season of 34 games. But it is a must-do for the Bavarians like brushing teeth in the morning.
“It is a little bit odd because you fight the whole year like a lion to win the Meisterschaft but it gets in the background at present,” Bayern striker Thomas Mueller said.
Guardiola is happy but won’t celebrate now.
“No wine. There are important games ahead of us, first the German Cup semifinal and then the Champions League semifinal,” said the 44-year-old, who won Bundesliga and the German Cup but lost Champions League’s semifinal against Real Madrid last season.
Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said: “It is hard to celebrate on the couch, having won the German title. It is great to win it while you are out on the pitch.”
Rummenigge only drank “a small glass of red wine” to celebrate while Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer said, “the 25th title is something special. It is like being married for such a long time for an old couple, something very special.
“This season the team has played an outstanding first leg after an energy-taking World Cup and deserved the title. But as we all know we go for more.”
Over the last decade, there have always been new competitors like Borussia Moenchengladbach, Werder Bremen or Borussia Dortmund that every now and then won the title and gave Bayern a bad time. But none managed to chase Bayern Munich like an always following shadow over a longer period of time.