Berlin: Record-breaking Bayern Munich claimed their 24th Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin as Pep Guardiola’s side secured the title with seven games remaining.
In his debut season, Guardiola has now won three titles in nine months after last August’s UEFA Super Cup triumph and December’s Club World Cup success.
“I am just happy we have finally managed it,” said Guardiola as his side opened up an unassailable 25-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
“It didn’t matter when we got it just as long as we won the title for this great club.”
Bayern’s 19th consecutive Bundesliga win secured their 24th title – their 23rd of the Bundesliga era – and the victory at the Olympic Stadium was never in doubt after they raced into a 2-0 lead with just 15 minutes gone.
Bayern have also taken one game off their own record, set last season, for the earliest confirmed league win and are still on course to finish the season unbeaten.
Toni Kroos slammed home an early strike before Mario Goetze headed their second to set the Bavarian giants on their way to collecting the three points required to be sure of clinching the championship on the night.
Hertha’s Colombia striker Adrian Ramos scored a penalty before France winger Franck Ribery came off the bench to net a superb third.
With seven games left, it is now mathematically certain that Bayern cannot be caught by any of their rivals, although in truth the title race has been over for weeks already.
Dortmund held onto second place with a goalless draw at home to Schalke 04.
Wolfsburg moved up to fifth with a 3-1 win at Werder Bremen, while Braunschweig shocked Mainz 3-1. (AFP)
