Bayern defend Bundesliga title after dramatic last matches, Borussia loses unique chance

 

Dortmund's German forward Youssoufa Moukoko reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1 FSV Mainz 05 in Dortmund, western Germany on May 27, 2023. AFP

Borussia Dortmund was devastated to learn that, despite a 2-2 tie with Mainz on the season's last Bundesliga matchday, Bayern Munich once again won the championship on the basis of goal differential.

Before the game even started, Dortmund was aware that a victory or even just matching Bayern's performance against FC Koln would be sufficient to secure their first Meisterschale title since 2012.

After just 15 minutes had passed, Mainz took the lead thanks to a close-range header from Andreas Hanche-Olsen, who was unmarked, past Gregor Kobel. This put an immediate damper on the celebratory mood within the stadium.

A great chance to tie the game was presented to Dortmund only one minute later. Dominik Kohr tripped Raphael Guerreiro inside the box, and after a VAR review, BVB was given the penalty kick.

Sebastien Haller of Die Schwartzgelben stepped up to take his first penalty of the year, but Finn Dahmen, a backup goalie for Mainz, deflected the forward's shot away.

When Mainz extended their advantage with only their second shot on goal in the 23rd minute, things became much worse for the home team. Karim Onisiwo headed in Jae-Sung Lee's cross from the left, leaving BVB with nothing left to do in the second half.

Raphael Guerreiro's low shot that deflected off the post and into the net for BVB with 20 minutes remaining gave the home team hope.

When there were 10 minutes left, rumours began to spread across Signal Iduna Park that Koln had tied Bayern on penalties. It meant that everything had changed for the better and that BVB would now win the championship on goal differential.

However, Jamal Musiala's goal for Bayern at Koln in the 89th minute emerged as the game-winner, causing late misery for Die Schwartzgelben.

Niklas Sule provided Dortmund with one of the two goals they needed to win the game in stoppage time. It turned out to be insufficient.

Dortmund lost the opportunity to win their first championship in 11 years as a consequence.