Bastian Schweinsteiger scored the only goal as Bayern wrapped up a 23rd Bundesliga title with a narrow victory over high-flying Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, as Jupp Heynckes’ men roared to a record 11th league win out of 11 since the mid-season break and claimed the German championship earlier than any other team in league history. The stunning triumph was the perfect way for the Reds to warm up for the decisive Champions League quarter-final return away to Juventus on Wednesday.
The 51,500 full house at the Commerzbank Arena saw the visitors dominate from the start but fail to turn their superiority into goals, Xherdan Shaqiri hitting a post and David Alaba spurning the best chance of the lot when he missed a 27th-minute penalty. Bayern took an overdue lead seven minutes after the restart with a moment of pure brilliance from Bastian Schweinsteiger, and although FCB eased back and Eintracht staged a brave rally in the last ten minutes, Manuel Neuer made two fine saves and Heynckes’ men defended stoutly to seal the win.
Saturday’s victory, Bayern’s 24th in the 28 league matches so far this term, means FCB have amassed 75 points to second-placed Dortmund’s 55 and, with only six matches remaining, can no longer be caught at the top of the standings.
The Reds are back in action on Wednesday evening in Turin, where they seek to defend a 2-0 lead from the Champions League quarter-final home leg and progress to the last four, with the Bundesliga title celebrations likely to start for real next Saturday in the all-Bavaria derby at home to Nürnberg.
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