Werder Bremen claim Bundesliga title

Werder Bremen were crowned champions of Germany today at the home of their only remaining challengers, Bayern Munich.

Outgoing champions Bayern had won four of the five previous Bundesliga crowns but were humbled in front of their own fans by the northerners – who have been in pole position since December 13.

First-half goals from Ivan Klasnic, Johan Micoud and Ailton secured the points for Bremen although Roy Makaay scored late on for the Bavarians.

Bayern, meanwhile, will not have any silverware this season – the only consolation for coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is that third-placed Stuttgart lost 2-1 at Hamburg.

That means Felix Magath’s club are unlikely to dislodge Bayern from second spot and an automatic place in the Champions League.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen despatched an already relegated Cologne 2-0 while Hertha Berlin improved their chances of top-flight survival with a 6-2 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund.