Bundesliga records smashed as Munich win title at a canter

From the best Bundesliga start to the earliest title success in half a century, Bayern Munich’s record-breaking run this season has seen them back on top with their 23rd German league trophy.

The Bavarians led from start to finish to end a two-year reign by Borussia Dortmund and notch a first title in what they hope will be a treble-winning season.

Bayern, without silverware since 2010, were desperate to reassert themselves in domestic competition after two years of playing second fiddle to Dortmund in the league and German Cup. With targeted spending in the close season, bringing in holding midfielder Javi Martinez for €40m and defender Dante, Bayern boosted their backline, an Achilles heel in recent seasons.

They added depth to the squad with striker Mario Mandzukic, the speedy Xherdan Shaqiri and experienced Claudio Pizarro.

Croatian Mandzukic turned out to be worth his weight in gold as he became his club’s top scorer (15 league goals so far) and made Bayern all but forget injured Mario Gomez.

Martinez and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who scored in the 1-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday that clinched the title with six games left, formed a superb partnership.

There was also a transfer off the pitch that was just as effective, with the ambitious Matthias Sammer replacing Christian Nerlinger as sports director. The former European champion brought his trademark drive for success. Even when things were going their way, Sammer was there to remind them of what they still needed to accomplish.

Now Bayern head to Turin to face Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a spring in their step and with a 2-0 advantage to defend.