Bayern Munich Wins Bundesliga Third Time in a Row
ChelseaclosertoPremiershipwithdrawagainstArsenal
Wolfsburg’s slip-up against Borussia Monchengladbach yesterday handed the Gernan Bundesliga title to run away leaders, Bayern Munich.
The Pep Guardiola’s men thus claimed the German title with four rounds of matches remaining. It will be Bayern Munich’s claim of the crown third time in a row.
Guardiola’s men had earlier on Saturday defeated Hertha Berlin 1-0 to move 15 points ahead of Wolfsburg, who were beaten at Borussia Monchengladbach 24 hours later, thus leaving the Bavarians with an unassailable lead with four matches of the season remaining.
Bayern wrapped up the title in record time last season, with seven games to go, and while the confirmation this term comes much later, they have been just as dominant domestically.
Bayern have not been knocked off the top of the table since they moved into pole position in week five and have cruised to the title once again. If they win all of their remaining games, they will fall just two points short of last year’s total of 90.
Guardiola’s team is also on course to win a second European and domestic treble in three years as they remain in contention for the Champions League, where they face Barcelona in the semi-finals, and the DFB-Pokal, in which they will meet Borussia Dortmund in the last four tomorrow.
Elsewhere, Chelsea moved closer to the English Premiership crown after a goalless outing against Arsenal yesterday at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The Blues are now six points away from Premier League glory after a match full of controversial calls. The draw keeps Jose Mourinho’s record against Arsene Wenger intact.
The London derby struggled to reach the boil after the break, however, despite plenty of attacking intent on show, Arsenal moved level on points with second-placed Manchester City.
Chelsea, who extended their unbeaten run against yesterday’s hosts to eight matches, can no longer win the title at Leicester City on Wednesday, but remain well on course - 10 points clear with a game in hand.
Arsenal edged the initial stages, although Chelsea felt that they should have earned an early penalty seven minutes when Oscar went down under pressure from Bellerin.
Contact was minimal and Oliver Giroud waved away protests before the Gunners continued to threaten - Olivier Giroud juggling the ball in the area before Gary Cahill dealt with the danger.
Bellerin was then required to clear Oscar’s goal-bound effort following a sublime ball from Fabregas, with Ospina’s foul on the forward failing to merit sanctions.
Mourinho was left distinctly unimpressed at the lack of a penalty or a card for the Colombian, although Oscar was able to continue after medical assistance.
Oliver was again at the centre of things 23 minutes in, as was Fabregas, who was adjudged to have dived in the box following a challenge from Santi Cazorla.
It was then Arsenal’s turn to unsuccessfully appeal for a spot kick when Cahill handled after the half-hour mark, Ramires then forcing Ospina into a smart save following a quick break and clever pass by Willian. Team Bayern Wolfsburg L’erkusen M’gladbach Schalke Augsburg Hoffenheim Dortmund Bremen Mainz Frankfurt Köln Hertha Freiburg Hannover Hamburger Paderborn Stuttgart P WD 30 24 4 30 18 8 30 15 10 30 15 10 30 11 9 30 13 3 30 11 7 30 11 6 30 10 9 30 8 13 30 9 9 30 8 11 30 9 7 30 6 12 30 7 8 30 7 7 30 6 10 30 6 9 L 2 4 5 5 10 14 12 13 11 9 12 11 14 12 15 16 14 15 GF GA GD 77 13 64 63 31 32 57 32 25 44 22 22 38 34 4 38 40 -2 45 48 -3 40 37 3 46 59 -13 42 41 1 51 59 -8 30 36 -6 34 46 -12 31 41 -10 33 51 -18 19 46 -27 27 58 -31 34 55 -21 Pts 76 62 55 55 42 42 40 39 39 37 36 35 34 30 29 28 28 27