Kane Wins First Title as Bayern Clinch Bundesliga

Berlin: The "curse' is over for Harry Kane. After years of near-misses with Tottenham, England, and Bayern Munich, the English striker has finally secured his first major career title as Bayern Munich are crowned Bundesliga champions. This historic moment was made possible thanks to Freiburg’s 2-2 draw with second-placed Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, which ensured Bayern's title was mathematically unassailable, with just two rounds left in the season.
At 31 years old, Kane had endured a career marked by near victories and painful losses, often finishing as a runner-up or falling short in finals. His move to Bayern Munich in 2023 was hailed as the club's record signing, but it was also followed by Bayern's first trophyless season since 2012. That disappointment, however, is now behind him.
While Bayern had looked set to celebrate a title win earlier in the week when they were leading 3-2 against RB Leipzig, an equalizer by Yussuf Poulsen in stoppage time delayed the party. "Next week, Harry!" wrote teammate Thomas Müller on Instagram. Kane didn’t have to wait that long.
Freiburg’s draw with Leverkusen — who played with less urgency, knowing second place was already secured — ultimately sealed the deal for Bayern. Maximilian Eggestein’s first-half goal and an own-goal from Piero Hincapie gave Freiburg a commanding 2-0 lead. Leverkusen pulled one back through Florian Wirtz in the 82nd minute, but Jonathan Tah’s stoppage-time equalizer came too late to alter the title race.
Bayern’s 34th Bundesliga title was clinched as Kane and his teammates, including Joshua Kimmich, celebrated exuberantly in a Munich restaurant, with champagne and beer flowing as they sang Bob Marley’s "Three Little Birds."
This marks Bayern’s 34th league title, continuing their record streak in the Bundesliga. They first won the German championship in 1932, with all subsequent titles coming after the formation of the Bundesliga in 1963. Next weekend, Bayern will be presented with the trophy in front of their home fans against Borussia Mönchengladbach, and the occasion will be bittersweet as Thomas Müller is set to make his emotional farewell after 25 legendary years at the club.
The Champions League Battle Intensifies
Meanwhile, the race for Champions League spots remains tight. Freiburg’s draw with Leverkusen left them in fourth place, holding a precarious one-point lead over Borussia Dortmund, who have surged back into contention, and two points ahead of RB Leipzig. Third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt is holding firm, four points clear of Freiburg, despite a 1-1 draw at Mainz in the late game. Only the top four teams will secure coveted Champions League spots.
At the other end of the table, Holstein Kiel boosted their survival hopes with a 3-1 win at Augsburg. This victory saw them close the gap to Heidenheim, currently in the relegation playoff spot, to just one point. Kiel's next challenge is a tough run of fixtures, including games against Freiburg and Dortmund.

(With Inputs from PTI)