A Day of Celebrations In Munich | OneFootball

With Leverkusen’s draw last weekend Bayern were crowned champions off the pitch. Saturday’s match with Gladbach provided the first chance for the team to celebrate with the fans.

Realistically, the match was nothing more than a preamble to that celebration. Bayern would go on to win it 2-0 thanks to Michael Olise in large part as he scored and heavily assisted the first goal that was credited to Harry Kane.

Maybe the only disappointing thing at all on this night was that Thomas Müller was unable to put in a goal of his own so that the stadium could give him the biggest cheer of his career. That however was a minor wishlist item that was just a small footnote on an otherwise beautiful night.

The Match

Bayern never really looked in danger of losing the match today. Despite some relatively uninspired play early and allowing a few chances late, Bayern always seemed in control.

Olise had a fantastic day hitting a screamer that looked as though he had scored on his own before replay noted Kane flicked it on to open the scoring. Then he was able to redirect the ball in the second half to make it 2-0.

Bayern spent the majority of the 40 minutes Müller was on the pitch in the second half trying to get him a goal. He had a couple half chances but was unable to convert.

When he ultimately came off in the 84th minute, he received every bit the send off he deserved with hugs from every Bayern player on the pitch and a guard of honor as he walked off one final time.

Celebrations

Rightfully so, the headline for today was Müller. He is a legend and one of the most pureblooded FC Bayern personalities ever. However there were many other celebrations today as well.

It was the 20th anniversary of the Allianz Arena. The return of the Meisterschale to Munich. Harry Kane and Eric Dier’s first trophy in their long careers. And of course the final home match for Müller.

Very rarely do so many occasions converge like this. The supporters in the stadium and around the world provided a wonderful backdrop to a beautiful day. The Allianz was electric and the emotions were running high.

The after match celebrations were even better as Müller conducted the Südkurve in a round of “Ich geb mein Herz für Dich” and gave several speeches…one in the middle of the Bierdusche. Harry Kane running around with his wife and kids. Olise being held down as he was hit with multiple beers. Phonze accepting the inevitable and taking two on live television.

This team earned these celebrations and they were all the more sweeter after missing out last year and having so many other things to add to the atmosphere. It was a day that will ultimately stick in the memory of all Bayern fans.

Transition

For many of us this is a very bitter sweet day. Müller has represented so much for this club for so long and has always felt like part of the fabric of everything Bayern Munich. For anyone under the age of 25, they probably have no memory of a time without Müller.

He and Neuer represent the final players in an unquestionable golden generation both for FC Bayern and for Germany. While Neuer may have a few season left in him, seeing Müller play his final match really hit home that this club is in a new phase.

They will never be able to replace a Thomas Müller in the locker room but they have to find someone to carry on the tradition and to embody the club the way he does. He has been the vocal leader on the team and the example of what this club means to everyone for so long and now it’s time for the next person to step up.

That is going to be a massive undertaking for whomever attempts to fill his shoes. It was also a massive gamble on the part of the club to part ways when Müller was still willing to sit at the table and talk. That puts even more pressure on the club to make sure they make the right moves this summer.

There is a never ending list of things that could and will be said about Müller, but there is no question that he will be missed by everyone who loves Bayern and I imagine more than a few tears of farewell were shed as we all watched his final home match this evening.