Bayernliga: Bavarian juggernaut rumbles on

Bayern Munich were crowned German champions for the ninth year in a row after RB Leipzig - the only side previously in with a title shot - fell to a 3-2 defeat at Borussia Dortmund. Later the same day, Bayern routed Borussia Mönchengladbach 6-0 to slather icing on the cake and celebrate yet another Bundesliga victory.

A hat-trick from 'FIFA's Best' Robert Lewandowski and strikes from Thomas Muller, David Alaba and former Man City player Leroy Sane did the damage against Gladbach, and the nature of the victory underlines that Bayern's competition have a seriously uphill struggle on their hands if they are to pry the Bavarians' fingers off the Bundesliga title. 

Even though teams like Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig have pushed Bayern over recent seasons, the Bavarians are a powerhouse of an institution intent on the German league title residing permanently on their mantelpiece. 

Bayern's title success this season is the perfect ending for manager Hans-Dieter Flick, who will leave at the end of the season after winning seven trophies in less than 12 months.

Adding their most recent title to what must be a gigantic trophy cabinet means that Bayern have now won 30 Bundesliga titles since the introduction of the top division in 1963, and 31 German league crowns in total, the Bavarian giants winning 52% of the 58 Bundesliga titles contested since the club was founded.

In the process, Bayern also equalled Juventus' record of most consecutive league triumphs (across UEFA's 'Top 5' leagues).

🏆Longest active league title winning runs in Europe:

10🇧🇬: Ludogorets
9🇩🇪: Bayern Munich
7🇦🇹: Salzburg
7🇦🇿: Qarabag
5🇲🇩: Sheriff Tiraspol
4🇭🇷: Dinamo Zagreb
4🇷🇸: Red Star
4🇨🇭: Young Boys
4🇱🇺: Dudelange pic.twitter.com/pKK3GV4I08

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 10, 2021

©Getty / LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS / POOL

LewanGoal, the Polish predator

It might be unfair to zoom in too closely on one member of such a quality team, but Robert Lewandowski completely deserves the spotlight.

The Polish star has torn up the Bundesliga goal charts and sits a country mile ahead of rival strikers across Europe: his 39 goals putting him well ahead of the German top flight's 'Next Best' (Frankfurt's André Silva and Dortmund's Erling Haaland with 25 goals) and even 10 ahead of La Liga legend Lionel Messi (29 goals) in what is a one-horse race for the European Golden Boot.

The current 'FIFA's Best Player' is one goal away of German legend Gerd Muller's imposing record of 40 league goals in a Bundesliga season which dates back to 1971-72.

With Lewandowski's prolific numbers on their side, there is no surprise that Bayern Munich have scored more goals than any team across UEFA's 'Top 5' leagues this season in all competitions.

👑100+ goals this season (UEFA's 'Top 5' + EFL; all comps; exc. European qualifiers):

132⚽️: Bayern Munich
120⚽️: Man City
117⚽️: Barcelona
116⚽️: PSG
114⚽️: Man Utd
106⚽️: Borussia Dortmund
105⚽️: Spurs
104⚽️: Atalanta
103⚽️: 🔥 PETERBOROUGH 🔥#pufc #posh 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/MSQSDRD8qd

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 10, 2021

Flick is out, Nagelsmann in

For the chasing pack, Bayern's decision to name Leipzig's manager Julian Nagelsmann as Flick's successor is an ominous one: one of the best young managers in European football set to inject fresh impetus into a Bayern side already firmly on the front foot (Flick taking charge of the German national team after Euro 2020).

Although he will reportedly cost Bayern more than £20m in compensation, Nagelsmann - who will take over on 1 July - looks a stellar appointment.

An element of regeneration is needed at the Allianz Arena, however. Legendary players such as David Alaba and Javi Martinez are due to move on this summer, after hugely successful stints with the club, and their experience will be hard to replace.

Alaba has won 25 major titles, including 10 Bundesligas and two Champions Leagues, while Martinez heads for the exit after collecting 24 major trophies, including nine Bundesligas and two Champions Leagues. 

However, the club's recruitment has been faultless in recent seasons and the arrival of highly-rated centre-back Dayot Upamecano from Leipzig underlines that Bayern are intent on making it a perfect 10-in-a-row next season. 

On the one hand, there is undoubtedly a monotony to Bayern's current monopoly - but there is also something hugely admirable about players and clubs who so successfully breed and sustain a winning culture. 

The rest of the Bundesliga need to up their game...because Bayern aren't going anywhere.