Bayern Munich signed off their Bundesliga title-winning campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena, as club legend Thomas Müller made his final appearance for the Bavarian giants.
The 35-year-old forward, a one-club man who has been part of Bayern’s senior setup since 2008, was given an emotional send-off after racking up 503 Bundesliga appearances and 248 goals for the club. Saturday’s match marked the end of an era, with Müller bowing out after helping Bayern claim yet another league title—his 13th in an astonishingly decorated career that also includes two Champions League triumphs.
Müller started the match but was replaced by Harry Kane on the hour mark to a standing ovation from both sets of fans. Though he couldn’t add to his impressive goalscoring tally in his final outing, his presence symbolised the stability and success Bayern have enjoyed during his tenure.
Olise Opens the Scoring
The champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, and in the 33rd minute, Michael Olise broke the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick. The French winger curled the ball over the wall and into the near post, leaving Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann rooted to the spot.
Despite the early setback, Hoffenheim showed flashes of resistance. Striker Andrej Kramaric, a known thorn in Bayern’s side with eight goals against them in previous encounters, nearly pulled one back shortly after half-time. However, his effort in a one-on-one with Bayern captain Manuel Neuer was denied by the veteran goalkeeper, keeping the visitors ahead.
Bayern Turn on the Style
The miss proved costly as Bayern soon doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Joshua Kimmich found the net from close range, his shot taking a deflection on its way past Baumann after Olise had turned provider.
The third goal arrived in the 80th minute when Serge Gnabry drilled a low shot from the edge of the area, capitalizing on a clever pass from Harry Kane, who was growing increasingly influential after coming off the bench.
Kane then capped off Bayern’s dominant performance in the 86th minute. Set up by right-back Sacha Boey, the England captain calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, scoring his 26th Bundesliga goal of the season—a remarkable tally in his debut campaign in Germany.
Farewells and Futures
The match was also notable for another farewell: Eric Dier, Kane’s former Tottenham Hotspur teammate, made his final appearance for Bayern before his summer move to Monaco. The versatile defender, who joined in January, was solid at the back and departs having added a Bundesliga medal to his résumé.
There was late involvement for Leroy Sané as well, who came off the bench amid speculation surrounding his future at the club. Reports suggest a summer exit could be on the cards for the winger, who has been linked with Premier League and Saudi Pro League sides.
Champions in Command
Bayern’s 4-0 win ensured they finished the season a commanding 13 points clear of their closest rivals, Bayer Leverkusen. Despite criticism earlier in the campaign, the Bavarians rallied impressively under manager Thomas Tuchel, combining youth and experience to deliver yet another league title.
As for Hoffenheim, despite the heavy defeat, they managed to steer clear of the relegation play-off thanks to Heidenheim’s loss to Werder Bremen. With safety secured, they will look to rebuild over the summer.
For Bayern, the focus now shifts to life after Müller—and perhaps a summer of transition. But if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, the future still looks red, white, and ruthlessly efficient.
