FC Bayern had a MISS10N for the 2021/22 season: a 10th consecutive Bundesliga title! The script for the ending could hardly have been written better. On Matchday 31, Julian Nagelsmann’s side celebrated the German championship with victory over Borussia Dortmund, their arch-rivals in recent years, in front of 75,000 fans at a sold-out Allianz Arena. Having won the previous two titles in front of virtually empty stands, the Bavarians were finally able to party with their fans again. There were some hurdles to overcome on the way to the 32nd Meisterschale in the club’s history, though - fcbayern.com looks back at five key milestones during the season.
1. Biggest win of the season in Oktoberfest shirt
Bayern began their MISS10N with five wins from the first six games. On Matchday 5, the German record champions thrashed promoted side VfL Bochum 7-0 wearing a special Oktoberfest kit, going top of the table for the first time in the season. “After the opener, we got going and from then on we started scoring goals,” said Leroy Sané, who opened the floodgates with a brilliant free kick. A Joshua Kimmich brace, Serge Gnabry, an own goal from Vasilios Lampropoulos, Robert Lewandowski and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting completed Bayern’s biggest win of the season to date.
2. Stunning display in top-of-the-table clash
Statement made and lead at the top extended! With the season still young, the German record champions caused another sensation on Matchday 8 with an emphatic 5-1 success away to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. “It was really impressive,” said Nagelsmann about the first half. Two goals each from Lewandowski and Gnabry plus Thomas Müller ended the contest already after 45 minutes at the BayArena, with Patrik Schick netting a consolation for Bayer in the second half. The win left Bayern a point ahead of new nearest challengers Dortmund at the top.
3. Vital away win at old rivals
In a fast-paced and action-packed top-of-the-table clash between leaders Bayern and second-placed Dortmund on 4 December 2021, the Munich men claimed a 3-2 win to extend their lead to four points after 14 matchdays. “Of course we're not over the line by any stretch, but these were important points,” commented Nagelsmann afterwards. After falling behind early to a Julian Brandt goal, Lewandowski levelled the score before Kingsley Coman gave the visitors the lead. Erling Haaland equalised for BVB, but that man Lewandowski had the last word and earned three important points for MISS10N!
4. Bayern edge another top match
Nagelsmann’s men took another significant step towards the next title after a thrilling 3-2 victory against RB Leipzig on 5 February. Müller scored the opener at the Allianz Arena only for Leipzig’s André Silva to equalise. Lewandowski restored Bayern’s advantage, but the visitors again hit back through Christopher Nkunku. FCB eventually emerged victorious, though, with Gnabry forcing an own goal out of Joško Gvardiol. The win stretched their lead at the top to nine points, with captain Manuel Neuer declaring it “a signal”.
5. Clinched in style
MISS10N accomplished! On Matchday 31, Bayern were crowned 2021/22 Bundesliga champions and lifted the trophy for the 10th year running. And the decider came against none other than closest challengers Borussia Dortmund on 23 April 2022. Nagelsmann’s side won 3-1 thanks to a strong performance. Gnabry and Lewandowski fired the Munich men into a two-goal lead before Emre Can reduced the deficit with a penalty. Jamal Musiala wrapped it up in the closing stages, ensuring jubilant celebrations at the Allianz Arena.
Thomas Müller is the new record holder with his 11th Bundesliga title:
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