Bayern Munich crowned Bundesliga champions after Leverkusen held for 2-2 draw at Freiburg

Freiburg, May 4 (IANS) Bayern Munich are 2024/25 Bundesliga champions, reclaiming the title from Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen with two games to spare.

After being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday, the Bavarians sealed the deal when second-placed Leverkusen failed to get the better of Freiburg in what was a must-win match for the Werkself. After having gone 2-0 down just minutes into the second-half, Leverkusen scored two late goals to settle for a draw.

It all means that Bayern now boast an unassailable lead at the top of the table with two games to go. The title marks their record-extending 34th of the Bundesliga era.

Bayern endured their first trophyless season since 2011 last term, finishing third in the Bundesliga behind first-time champions Leverkusen and surprise runners-up VfB Stuttgart.

However, they have been quick to reassert their domestic dominance under new head coach Vincent Kompany in 2024/25. The Bavarians have held first place since Matchday 3, whilst chalking up 23 wins from 32 games - only losing twice - and scoring a league-high 93 goals.

As well as being a debut-season title for Kompany, the 2024/25 Meisterschale represents a first piece of major career silverware for England captain Harry Kane.

It is also Thomas Müller's record-extending 13th - and likely - last German top-flight crown as a player. The Bayern legend, who recently made his 500th Bundesliga appearance, will end his 25-year association with his boyhood club following this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Bayern face Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 33, in their first game as newly crowned champions and final home fixture of the 2024/25 season. They conclude the league campaign at Hoffenheim on May 17, when they will be officially presented with the title.

--IANS

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