Bayern win record fourth straight Bundesliga title

Reuters: Bayern Munich secured a record fourth consecutive Bundesliga title, with a game to spare on Saturday after a 2-1 victory at Ingolstadt 04 eased the disappointment of their midweek Champions League exit.

The Bavarians clinched a 26th German league crown, and their first silverware of the season, thanks to two goals from top scorer Robert Lewandowski in the first half.

Four days after their away-goals defeat by Atletico Madrid ensured a third consecutive Champions League semi-final exit, Bayern went eight points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund who lost 1-0 at struggling Eintracht Frankfurt.

“A big compliment to everyone in the team. I am happy to have lived these experiences here,” said Bayern coach Pep Guardiola who will join Manchester City at the end of the season.

“I want to share this title with (predecessor) Jupp Heynckes. We achieved something very special, four league titles in a row.”

Heynckes started the run during the 2012-13 treble-winning season before Spaniard Guardiola took over.

Bayern can secure the double when they meet Dortmund in the German Cup final on 21 May in Berlin.

The final whistle sparked a party at the 15,000-seater Audi Sportpark, with forward Thomas Mueller grabbing a loudhailer to lead singing with the fans.

“It is no small feat to win the league four times in a row,” said Mueller. “It required a lot of work, quality is not enough if you don’t put the work into it.

“The consistency we have shown in the last few years is incredible. The beer glasses will be in full swing this evening.”