Bayern Munich Delays Championship Celebration Despite Victory Over Mainz

The Bayern stars, led by milestone birthday boy Thomas Müller, celebrated their status as German football champions with enthusiasm, even without the official confirmation. However, the party for the return of the championship trophy has been postponed. The record champions continued their march towards a 34th title with a 3-0 victory (2-0) against FSV Mainz 05 during Müller’s 500th Bundesliga match, but the crucial slip-up from current champions Bayer Leverkusen did not occur.

“The victory was immensely important,” said Müller, who will depart in the summer, after reaching this career milestone. “It’s always like this with anniversaries. The older you get, the more they come.” The 35-year-old did not feel particularly emotional after his penultimate home game. “I’m not nostalgic or sad, but it’s a bit strange,” he added.

With a win next Saturday against RB Leipzig, Bayern can secure the championship on their own terms. “If I had to bet, yes,” Müller said regarding the prospects, assisted in the Sky interview by microphone holder Serge Gnabry.

However, Harry Kane, the still title-less goal scorer, will have to watch the match against Leipzig due to an unfortunate yellow card suspension. “Crazy decision. That was never a yellow card,” said the Englishman. “I’m disappointed to miss an important game.” Following a foul called against him in a duel, Kane held the ball and thus prevented a quick Mainz attack.

In front of 75,000 spectators at the sold-out Allianz Arena, it became clear early on, due to Leverkusen’s lead against FC Augsburg, that there would be no celebrations with beer showers this time. “There are now many moments when Thomas can be celebrated. But first, we need to secure the missing three points,” said coach Vincent Kompany. “500 matches in the Bundesliga at a top level and being a part of this history is unique.”

On Müller’s honorary day, the two lively wingers Leroy Sané (27th minute) and Michael Olise (40th) as well as defender Eric Dier (84th) scored to set the perfect stage. “We can be satisfied. We had control of the game for most of the time,” said Gnabry.

For Mainz, the defeat marked their sixth consecutive game without a win, further dampening their hopes for a European competition spot. “That wasn’t a 0-3 game; maybe 0-1,” said coach Bo Henriksen. “Of course, we are disappointed not to earn any points.”

It was no surprise that Sané, a key figure in the Munich offense, opened the scoring. In his tenth goal of the season, he almost got blocked by Gnabry, needing to tunnel past his teammate to finish successfully. After halftime, the national player, whose contract extension is still pending, hit the post twice (62/80). “When players perform, they’ve done something right,” Kompany remarked.

Before Müller could take the field for his 500th Bundesliga appearance, the fan favorite, who had been ill earlier in the week, had to wait until the 84th minute. There was massive jubilation when Müller entered the pitch, and moments later he celebrated as Dier headed in to seal the match.