It was set to be a glorious day for Borrusia Dortmund. This was to be their first Bundesliga title since 2012 following Bayern’s late-season collapse under Thomas Tuchel. This was their chance to end Bayern’s 10-year dominance in the league but they faltered at the final hurdle.
Der BVB have not been great all season but with Bayern dropping more points than usual, there was hope for them to win the league as the two teams exchanged the first position on more than two occasions in the final 10 games of the season. Dortmund retook first position in the penultimate gameweek as Bayern lost to RB Leipzig. As such they were in pole position to win the title. All they had to do was beat Mainz at home.
With a favourable home fixture, it should have been in the bag. However, they found themselves 2-0 down in the first half while Bayern went 1-0 up; taking the lead in the title race at halftime. Dortmund were given a glimmer of hope when the Koln scored Bayern to equalise. This was snuffed out when Bayern scored in the dying minutes. Dortmund themselves had a late rally but unlike Manchester City last season, they couldn’t get the win instead ending the match in a 2-2 draw.
Die Schwarzgelben missed 6 big chances including a penalty and an open post miss from Sebastian Haller. With star player and captain Jude Bellingham set to leave at the end of the season, their wait for a sixth Bundesliga trophy continues as Bayern win their 11th title in a row.
IFEANYICHUKWU ACHIFE