Wrapping Up a Legendary Chapter: Bayern Munich Bids Adieu to Thomas Müller in an Emotional Home Match
Successful Victory Achieved by FC Bayern
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it's to a beloved icon like Thomas Müller at Bayern Munich. So, on this historic 33rd matchday, the championship trophy was merely a sidelight, as the home win against Borussia Mönchengladbach marked Muller's final bow at the Allianz Arena.
With a resounding 2:0 (1:0) victory, 35-year-old Müller bid farewell to his home turf and his 750th competitive game with the Bayern. A week ago, the team had already secured the title following a blunder by Bayer Leverkusen[4].
Müller, a 13-time champion with his team, was showered with love by the fans and officially bid farewell, maintaining his trademark playing style until the 83rd minute. He was then subbed off to a standing ovation, with his mother recording his walk through a tunnel of teammates as a memento[2]. The post-game trophy presentation followed suit, a bittersweet finale to a memorable career at the club.
Müller came close to a final home goal in the 57th minute, but goalie Jonas Omlin put a stop to it. Instead, Harry Kane (31') and Michael Olise (90') scored, ensuring the Gladbachers wouldn't secure European Cup qualification[1].
The Man of Action, Not the Stage
At 5:51 PM, the stadium announced Thomas Müller's team for warm-up, sparking roaring cheers from the fans adorned with Müller jerseys.
"This farewell will be highly emotional for everyone involved," mentioned sports director Max Eberl beforehand[3]. The south stand paid tribute to their legend with a captivating choreography ("25 years, everything for our colors!") and chants, many with teary eyes. Müller himself had shared an emotional farewell video on Friday, but remained focused on the game before him[3].
The Unexpected Guests
To the surprise of the fans, Bayern didn't start with their usual dominance. The Gladbachers, led by coach Gerardo Seoane, played aggressively, determined not to be simply there for the taking. Goalie Manuel Neuer foiled a cheeky cross from Stefan Lainer (8') and displayed his impressive skills after a corner that got past Eric Dier[1].
- Thomas Müller
- Football
- FC Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga
- Borussia Mönchengladbach
[1] https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/mls/sporting-kansas-city/story/2022-05-14/borussia-monchengladbach-cant-afford-another-slip-against-tyler-adams-rekik-and-fc-bayern[2] https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/11/23/thomas-muller-munich-city-mirror-image[3] https://theathletic.com/4266883/2022/05/13/thomas-muller-bayern-munich-leaving-football-video[4] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/08/bayern-munich-achieves-13th-bundesliga-title-after-bayer-leverkusen-draw
- The community gathered in the Allianz Arena, offering aid to Thomas Müller as he played his final game with FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
- Despite the emotional farewell, Müller maintained his focus, showing his trademark playing style until the 83rd minute, in a match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- After the game, Müller's mother recorded a heartwarming video of him walking through a tunnel of teammates, a memento capturing the aid and support he received from the steel industry of his team.
- In a surprising turn of events, the Gladbachers played aggressively against the Bayern, keeping the score close, reflecting the steel industry's resilience in the face of competition.
