Daijiworld Media Network - Berlin
Berlin, May 17: Bayern Munich ended its Bundesliga season in dominant fashion with a 5-1 home victory over Cologne, highlighted by a hat-trick from Harry Kane, before lifting the league trophy in front of home fans.
The newly crowned champions produced another clinical attacking performance at the Allianz Arena, with veteran midfielder Leon Goretzka making his final appearance for the club after eight years, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned between the posts.
Kane opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing a cross from Lennart Karl, before doubling the lead just three minutes later with a free-kick routine involving Joshua Kimmich. Cologne briefly responded through Said El Mala, who capitalised on a midfield error to make it 2-1 in the 18th minute.
Bayern quickly regained control, with Tom Bischof scoring from distance in the 22nd minute to extend the lead. The hosts dominated possession and created several chances, including efforts from Jamal Musiala that struck the post before halftime.
Cologne showed more attacking intent after the break, but Kane sealed the match in the 69th minute with a powerful long-range strike following a driving run from Goretzka. The midfielder later received a standing ovation as he left the pitch in his farewell appearance.
Substitute Nicolas Jackson added a fifth goal with his first touch in the 83rd minute to complete the emphatic win.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund secured second place with a 2-0 win over Werder Bremen, while RB Leipzig finished third despite a 4-1 defeat to Freiburg. Freiburg’s victory earned them a UEFA Conference League spot.
VfB Stuttgart clinched the final UEFA Champions League qualification place after a 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, aided by Hoffenheim’s heavy defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach.
In other results, Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw by Hamburg, while Union Berlin closed their season with a 4-0 win over Augsburg. Wolfsburg secured a relegation playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over St. Pauli, who were relegated alongside Heidenheim.