Every Bundesliga season begins with the question of how many points Bayern Munich will win by, but at times this season, the Bavarians were given a huge scare by some meddling newcomers. The theme of newness played around the league, as exciting new names showed up all across Germany to jolt the established order.
Leipzig pushed Bayern hard
It is probably testament to the strength of the tests provided by RB Leipzig, whose summer signing Naby Keita started upsetting the big names with an only goal that downed Dortmund in September. The Red Bulls ended November top of the table but Bayern made a big statement in the last game of 2016, whipping the new boys 3-0, and reclaiming top spot. Leipzig were only top of the league between matchdays 11 and 13. Before that, Bayern were top from the off. And after that, Bayern were top till the very end.
By February, Bayern were getting a grip on the title as Leipzig began losing steam. Hamburg, whipping boys for much of the season, surprisingly beat the high-flying Bundesliga newcomers, 3-0. Wolfsburg, who weren’t in the best of shape, also beat Leipzig 1-0 in March. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelloti’s men were racing, and now with a 13 point lead. But the month of April brought two hefty blows: defeats in the Champions League quarters to Real Madrid and the German Cup to Dortmund. That didn’t stop them from finishing hard and in style, blowing Wolfsburg 6-0 to clinch a 26th title. Carlo has now been domestic champion in Italy, England, France, and this country.
Managerial casualties
At a point it seemed like every team would scythe their coaches. In September, after losing their first three matches, Werder Bremen sacked Viktor Skrypnyk while Hamburger and Bruno Labbadia severed ties. October saw Wolfsburg sack Dieter Hecking after one win in the opening seven games. Darmstadt, Monchengladbach and Augsburg all followed with managerial sackings in December. And then in February, Wolfsburg did it again, this time letting Valerien Ismael go.
Aubameyang did it!
The past few weeks may have been tense for the Gabonese superstar, who saw his lead atop the scorers’ charts equaled, then bettered by former teammate Robert Lewandowski. On the season’s last day, Pierre-Emerick would score twice against Werder to clinch the Torjagerkanone award with 31 goals, one more than Lewandowski – who won last season with 30 goals for the Bavarians, with Aubameyang finishing second with 25. This is the first time the former African Player of the Year has won the prestigious award in his career at Dortmund, whose last player to have scored 31-goals a season was 51 years ago.
Who made Europe Champions League?
Bayern, RB Leipzig, Dortmund and Hoffenheim all got into the Champions League while Cologne and Hertha Berlin. Freiburg coach Christian Streich led his side from the second tier into this season. And he was sixth going into the last day of the season, which would have taken him into the Europa League but they just couldn't manage it. So unlucky. To get the wrong end of the stick were Ingolstadt while Darmstadt who were relegated while Wolfsburg could join them if they lose their playoff.
Team of the season?
RB Leipzig. They also came straight from the second tier, and gave the Bundesliga something to talk about beyond the obvious. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team spent 24 matchdays in 2nd place, and three on top of the league. Impressive. Coach of the season doubt goes out to Julian Nagelsman. He became Hoffenheim manager in February 2016 aged just 28, saved the club from relegation before leading them to 4th this year. Hoffenheim were the last remaining undefeated side in Europe's top five leagues.