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Top Dogs

DW staff (jam)May 4, 2008

Bayern Munich wrapped up their 21st German football title on Sunday with a goalless draw at VfL Wolfsburg, completing a start-to-finish domination of the Bundesliga.

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Players in a celebratory mood
Bayern Munich players in a celebratory moodImage: AP

The result gave Bayern (67 points) an unassailable 10-point lead over Werder Bremen with three matches left of the season.

The final whistle triggered joyful celebrations on the pitch by Bayern players who were immediately provided by giant glasses of Bavarian beer - most of which immediately landed over teammates.

Bayern led the Bundesliga from the start and have now sealed a seventh league and cup double, and a third in four seasons after 2005 and 2006 under Felix Magath, now in charge at Wolfsburg.

Bayern players showing some emotion
Bayern players showing some emotionImage: AP

For outgoing coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, it was a fifth league title and a third domestic double with Bayern - to go with two league titles with Borussia Dortmund and Champions League victories with both clubs.

"It was a special season because the expectations were huge and there had been great disappointment from last year," Hitzfeld told Premiere TV. "The pressure was high. We invested heavily in new players and you never know how it is going to go.

"It gives me great satisfaction that I can hand over to Juergen Klinsmann a super team which can again compete at the top next season."

'A good season'

Club president Franz Beckenbauer said: "The team deserved it, it led from the start. It was a very good season."

The champagne had been kept on ice following last week's results which had virtually assured Bayern of the title.

It was perhaps fitting that Bayern were able to seal the title in Wolfsburg, led by former coach Magath, and where five years ago they also clinched the last title with Hitzfeld.

Trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld got a beer shower
Trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld got a beer showerImage: Picture-Alliance /dpa

But there was little sparkle in the performance from a reshuffled Bayern side minus the injured goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, defender Lucio, midfielders Franck Ribery and Ze Roberto and striker Miroslav Klose.

Bayern, routed 4-0 by Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, were unable to raise their game against a workmanlike Wolfsburg, fighting for a UEFA Cup place.

That did nothing to spoil the celebrations, with Hitzfeld among those receiving a drenching of beer.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigee was also a victim when soaked by Bastian Schweinsteiger while giving a television interview. "He will be sold," Rummenigge immediately said.