Bayern Munich produce fitting Allianz Arena send-off for Thomas Müller with Gladbach win
Thomas Müller's final Bundesliga home game for Bayern Munich ended in sweet victory, as the recently-crowned Bundesliga champions saw off the challenge of Borussia Mönchengladbach with goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise.
Bayern Munich 2-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Goals: 1-0 Kane 31’ (assist: Olise), 2-0 Olise 90’ (assist: Sané)
Bayern confirmed their 33rd Bundesliga title last weekend, meaning Matchday 33 was all about receiving the Meisterschale trophy in front of their own fans, and bidding a Munich goodbye to one of the club's most famous sons. However, with Gladbach in town and still in with a chance of European qualification, this would be no procession for the hosts.
Kane strikes as Bayern take control
Bayern started the match with purpose, dominating possession and creating several chances. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Kane found the back of the net, assisted by the impressive Michael Olise. The goal was Kane's 25th of the season and saw the English striker stretch his lead at the top of the top-scorer charts.
Gladbach showed resilience thereafter, and created chances of their own. Tim Kleindienst and Robin Hack tested the returning Manuel Neuer, but the experienced goalkeeper was equal to their efforts.
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Gladbach push for equaliser
As the second half began, the Foals intensified their efforts to find an equaliser. The encounter became more intense, with Bayern's defence, anchored by the returning Neuer, holding firm against Gladbach's pressure. Müller continued to influence the game at the other end, his trademark intelligent movement and link-up play delighting home fans in what would be his last Bundesliga appearance at the Allianz Arena.
Olise seals the victory
In the 84th minute, the moment every Bayern fan had been dreading arrived - Müller was substituted, making way for Serge Gnabry. The Allianz Arena rose as one to give their departing hero a standing ovation.
With Gladbach pushing for a late equaliser, spaces opened up for Bayern. In the 90th minute, Olise combined with Leroy Sané to score Bayern's second. With Gladbach's ambitions ended for the season, all that was left was for Bayern to raise the roof with a trophy lift, and to give their local hero Müller a suitable send off at this famous stadium.
Player of the Match: Thomas Müller
While others may have had more direct impact on the scoreline, there's no doubt that Müller was the emotional heartbeat of this match. In his final Bundesliga home game, Müller showcased the qualities that have made him a Bayern legend. His intelligent movement, link-up play, and tireless work rate were evident throughout. He had several attempts on goal and created chances for his teammates, embodying the spirit and determination that have defined his career. The standing ovation he received upon being substituted in the 84th minute was a testament to his enduring impact on the club and its fans.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayern 2.13 - Gladbach 1.36
Fastest player: Tomáš Čvančara (BMG), 35.39 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Kane (FCB), 3.52 percent
Most pressed player: Olise (FCB), 37 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Joshua Kimmich (FCB), +2.98
Fantasy Heroes: Olise (Bayern, 463 Points), Neuer (Bayern, 303 Points), Eric Dier (Bayern, 244 Points)
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