Harry Kane Wins First Career Title as Bayern Munich Beat Gladbach, Mueller Honored in Farewell Game
MUNICH — Harry Kane lifted the first major trophy of his career on Saturday as Bayern Munich celebrated their Bundesliga title win with a 2-0 home victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach, a match that also marked Thomas Mueller’s final home appearance after 25 years at the club.
Though Bayern had already been confirmed as champions following Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw with Freiburg the previous day, the Bundesliga shield was formally presented to the team after full-time in front of a packed Allianz Arena.
Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham last summer, opened the scoring in the 31st minute by heading in a curling cross from Michael Olise, registering his 25th league goal of the season. Olise later added a second in the final minute, sealing the win.
Despite some sluggish play from Bayern, Gladbach failed to capitalize on their chances due to poor finishing.
All eyes were on veteran forward Thomas Mueller, who was playing his 750th and final home match for the club. The 35-year-old came close to scoring in the 57th minute but saw his effort saved. He was subbed off in the 83rd minute to thunderous applause, receiving a heartfelt send-off with a guard of honour from teammates and staff.
“I can’t really work it through in my mind at the moment,” Mueller told Sky Germany. “But I felt 75,000 hearts beating just a little for me.”
Mueller leaves with an illustrious haul of 13 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, and countless other honours.
Before the match, Eric Dier, Kane’s former Tottenham and England teammate who will join Monaco in the summer, was also recognized in a short ceremony.
Leipzig Falter, Relegation Drama Unfolds
Elsewhere, RB Leipzig’s Champions League hopes took a serious blow after a frustrating 0-0 draw at Werder Bremen. Despite dominating possession, Leipzig couldn’t convert their chances, with Xavi Simons hitting the post in the 68th minute and forcing a key save moments later.
“It’s extremely disappointing,” said Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner. “There’s no point sugarcoating it — we don’t deserve the Champions League.”
This result may signal a challenging start for Jurgen Klopp, recently appointed football director at Red Bull, as he prepares for an offseason likely without elite European football.
Kiel and Bochum Relegated After Final Blow
The relegation picture also took shape on Saturday:
- Holstein Kiel, who reached the Bundesliga for the first time this season, were relegated after a 2-1 home loss to Freiburg. Despite taking the lead through Lasse Rosenboom, goals from Johan Manzambi and Lucas Hoeler sealed their fate.
- Bochum’s four-year Bundesliga stay ended with a 4-1 home defeat to Mainz, who scored through Nadiem Amiri, Jonathan Burkardt, Phillipp Mwene, and Paul Nebel. Bochum had shown promise earlier in the season with wins over Bayern and Dortmund, but only managed two points in their last eight games.
Meanwhile, Freiburg’s win puts them in pole position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever, sitting four points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, who still have two games left.
Final Round Fixtures Set to Decide European Spots
With one match remaining, Leipzig must defeat Stuttgart to stand a chance of Europa League qualification. Werder Bremen, who haven’t played European football in 15 years, still hold a slim mathematical chance, hindered by goal difference.
The Bundesliga’s final matchday will see intense battles at both ends of the table, as fans brace for a dramatic finish to the 2024/25 season.
