It probably wasn't much more than a flicker of hope. But this "glimpse of hope" – as Jamal Musiala later termed it in the documentary – was to prove decisive for a historic title. After Matchday 33 of the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, FC Bayern were two points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, and the situation after the 3-1 defeat at home to RB Leipzig appeared more than precarious – was the dream of an 11th consecutive championship over? But then came the final day in Cologne – where Thomas Tuchel's side will line up again this Friday (20:30 CET).
FC Bayern won 4-2 against promoted team Heidenheim at the Allianz Arena before the international break.
The fact that Bayern will return to the RheinEnergieStadion as defending champions on Friday seemed unrealistic before their last outing in the cathedral city. BVB held all the cards and a home win against 1. FSV Mainz 05 would've confirmed them as champions. However, the Zerofivers proved to be party crashers early on and led 2-0 after just 24 minutes in front of the Yellow Wall. At the same time, FCB made a perfect start against the other carnival club, Kingsley Coman finishing off a pass from Leroy Sané to put the record champions 1-0 up after just eight minutes. To the shock of Dortmund supporters, and probably everybody else: Bayern were suddenly top in the live table.
Kingsley Coman's sublime curler into the far corner made it 1-0 against Köln in May.
This historic afternoon on 27 May had more twists and turns in it, though. Raphaël Guerreiro, who now laces his boots for Bayern, gave Dortmund hope by pulling a goal back in the 69th minute. Back in Cologne, the hosts were growing into the game – and equalised shortly before the end courtesy of a Dejan Ljubicic penalty (81'). Had he just wrestled the Meisterschale out of the Bavarians' hands? BVB were nine minutes from winning the title.
A goal for the ages
Bayern were having none of it. Eight minutes later, a moment occured that's up there with the greatest in the club's history – like the last-minute title win in Hamburg in 2001 or the last-gasp Champions League victory over Dortmund in 2013. Serge Gnabry drove forward down the left flank and spotted Musiala, who'd come on just four minutes prior, in space on the edge of the area. In typical style, the number 42 turned gracefully on his own axis and fired the ball into the right-hand corner from a good 17 meters out.
Jamal Musiala's title-clinching goal sparked wild celebrations.
The emotions exploded as the team and everyone whose heart beats red and white started celebrations that they'll never forget. The title was theirs, and not even Dortmund's 96th-minute equaliser against Mainz could change that. "It was an unbelievable moment," beamed hero Musiala after the final whistle. "I didn't think much, just celebrated. It took at least a minute until I checked it. I had to do my best, we had nothing to lose."
It was an unbelievable moment. I didn't think much, just celebrated.
Jamal Musiala
After 178 days, FCB return to the scene on Friday – and should draw strength from those glorious memories. Once again, Tuchel's men are two points off the top of the table going into the Matchday 12 opener. An away win would see Harry Kane and Co claim top spot at least until Saturday, when leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen go to Werder Bremen. Who knows, maybe Cologne will again bring luck in the new season and a permanent lead in the table.
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