The Bayern women’s football team joyfully celebrated their championship hat-trick, bouncing around the field in their winner shirts. Jovana Damnjanovic gave departing coach Alexander Straus the first beer shower from an oversized glass of wheat beer. This marks the seventh time that FC Bayern has been crowned German champions, securing the title with a 3:1 (1:1) victory against SC Freiburg.
Opportunity for a Double
On Thursday, in the DFB Pokal final against Werder Bremen in Cologne, the team, led by trophy expert Pernille Harder, has the chance to complete the season with a double. “It’s indescribable right now,” said DFB captain Giulia Gwinn on ZDF, wearing a pair of sunglasses inscribed with “Champions.” “It makes it even more special to do it in front of our own fans, especially with the Pokal final coming up.”
Goals that Sparked Celebration
In front of about 2,500 spectators at the FC Bayern Campus in the northern part of the city, goals from Lea Schüller (21st minute), Harder (67th), and Glodis Viggosdottir (79th) set the stage for the title celebration. The visitors from Breisgau proved to be a tough opponent once again. Svenja Fölmli’s goal (28th minute) briefly dampened the championship euphoria until Harder netted her 13th goal of the season. The Danish international had previously won the double four times with VfL Wolfsburg and three times with Chelsea.
Celebrating in Style
The women secured their title in the presence of sports director Max Eberl and president Herbert Hainer, a day after the men’s championship was postponed in Thomas Müller’s 500th Bundesliga match. “If you follow the women over the last few years, you can see a steady development,” Hainer explained on ZDF. Winning both the championship and the cup would be “historic.” “It feels amazing to be champions again,” said Sarah Zadrazil before “We are the Champions” played at the campus. “Hopefully, we will have a big celebration on Thursday.”
Emotional Farewell for Coach
For Straus, who is leaving the club after three years for Angel City FC in Los Angeles, the championship hat-trick was particularly meaningful following recent turbulence surrounding his departure announcement. “Of course, it’s emotional,” he remarked as he prepared to say goodbye. The Norwegian has shaped the Munich team into Germany’s number one. “It’s not over yet,” said Straus, clenching his fists in relief after Viggosdottir’s goal made it 3:1. The second act of the double celebration is set for Thursday.
Looking Ahead
Four days before the cup final in Cologne and three weeks before the grand championship celebration at the town hall balcony, there was already cause for celebration at the campus. “The third championship title in the last three years – if we can achieve the double, it would be historic for FC Bayern. This clearly shows the development and where we want to go,” said Bianca Rech, director of women’s football.
She did not reveal who would succeed Straus. “We have to keep thinking ahead and moving forward, no matter who takes over next.” National coach Christian Wück praised the Munich team and Straus, stating they had played a solid season despite injury setbacks. “They handled their favorites‘ role well, even though the competition at the top of the table was very close at times.”
Aiming for European Success
The new coach is expected to lead the team not only to an eighth championship title but also to greater achievements in the Champions League, beyond this season’s quarterfinals. “The next step must be to get to the top in Europe – and we are working on that,” said Hainer. “We will continue to strengthen the team as needed.”