Bayern Munich won the German Bundesliga title by a margin of 25 points from second placed Borussia Dortmund, who have been champions in the two previous seasons. Bayern finished an incredible 36 points clear of fourth placed Schalke. Critics argue the dominance of both clubs could be bad for Germany's top tier, which they say is becoming too predictable.
Head and shoulders —
Bayern Munich won the German Bundesliga title by a margin of 25 points from second placed Borussia Dortmund, who have been champions in the two previous seasons. Bayern finished an incredible 36 points clear of fourth placed Schalke. Critics argue the dominance of both clubs could be bad for Germany's top tier, which they say is becoming too predictable.
Lars Baron/Getty images
As well as domestic dominance, both clubs are excelling in European competition. Germany's top two -- Bayern and Dortmund -- will contest the Champions League final at Wembley on May 25.
Champions of Europe —
As well as domestic dominance, both clubs are excelling in European competition. Germany's top two -- Bayern and Dortmund -- will contest the Champions League final at Wembley on May 25.
Christof Koepsel/Getty Images/file
Just days before Dortmund's Champions League semifinal with Spanish giants Real Madrid it was confirmed one of their star players, Mario Gotze, would be joining Bayern next season for a deal reported to be worth $56 million. Signing one of their nearest rivals' best players should only strengthen Bayern's grip on domestic competition.
Going, going Gotze —
Just days before Dortmund's Champions League semifinal with Spanish giants Real Madrid it was confirmed one of their star players, Mario Gotze, would be joining Bayern next season for a deal reported to be worth $56 million. Signing one of their nearest rivals' best players should only strengthen Bayern's grip on domestic competition.
Getty Images/Alexander Hassenstein/file
All-conquering Bayern, who will contest the German Cup final on June 1 as they seek an historic treble, are preparing to welcome Josep Guardiola as their new coach for next season. The former Barcelona manager won 14 trophies in a four-year spell at the Spanish giants, sparking a clamor for his signature after he spent a year out of the game.
Pep talk —
All-conquering Bayern, who will contest the German Cup final on June 1 as they seek an historic treble, are preparing to welcome Josep Guardiola as their new coach for next season. The former Barcelona manager won 14 trophies in a four-year spell at the Spanish giants, sparking a clamor for his signature after he spent a year out of the game.
AFP/Getty Images
German clubs are famed for being well run, creating a good atmosphere at games, with Dortmund's Westfalenstadion a case in point. Cheap tickets for standing areas play a large part in that, and Dortmund's players make a point of thanking their supporters after every game.
Yellow wall —
German clubs are famed for being well run, creating a good atmosphere at games, with Dortmund's Westfalenstadion a case in point. Cheap tickets for standing areas play a large part in that, and Dortmund's players make a point of thanking their supporters after every game.
Lars Baron/Getty Images/file
All but three top-flight clubs -- Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim -- are owned by supporters under the 50+1 rule, that dictates clubs must be majority owned by fans to prevent them being taken over by private investors. The last vote on changing the "50+1" rule came back in 2009 and only Hannover 96 voted to scrap it. Here Hamburg fans hold up banners at a recent Bundesliga match against Hannover that reads: "Us for you, you for us."
Hamburg vote —
All but three top-flight clubs -- Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim -- are owned by supporters under the 50+1 rule, that dictates clubs must be majority owned by fans to prevent them being taken over by private investors. The last vote on changing the "50+1" rule came back in 2009 and only Hannover 96 voted to scrap it. Here Hamburg fans hold up banners at a recent Bundesliga match against Hannover that reads: "Us for you, you for us."
Joern Pollex/Getty Images
There are exceptions lower down the leagues too. In 2009, soft drinks giant Red Bull bought the license of German fifth division club SSV Markranstädt to create Rasen Ballsport Leipzig. The aim was to make the top tier -- the Bundesliga -- within 10 years. Leipzig will contest a playoff to make the third division in June.
One giant Leipzig —
There are exceptions lower down the leagues too. In 2009, soft drinks giant Red Bull bought the license of German fifth division club SSV Markranstädt to create Rasen Ballsport Leipzig. The aim was to make the top tier -- the Bundesliga -- within 10 years. Leipzig will contest a playoff to make the third division in June.
RB Leipzig
Red Bull was prevented from attaching its brand name to the club so settled for calling it Rasen Ballsport Leipzig, shortened to RB Leipzig so as to carry the energy drink firm's initials.
50+1 rule —
Red Bull was prevented from attaching its brand name to the club so settled for calling it Rasen Ballsport Leipzig, shortened to RB Leipzig so as to carry the energy drink firm's initials.
RB Leipzig
The club moved from its old home to the newly-built Red Bull Arena in 2010. It is the fifth soccer team in the company's portfolio.
Red Bull Arena —
The club moved from its old home to the newly-built Red Bull Arena in 2010. It is the fifth soccer team in the company's portfolio.
RB Leipzig
Reports estimate that Red Bull is prepared to pump $128 million into the club. A new training center and youth academy, currently being built, will open in 2015 at a cost of $45 million.
Bright future —
Reports estimate that Red Bull is prepared to pump $128 million into the club. A new training center and youth academy, currently being built, will open in 2015 at a cost of $45 million.
RB Leipzig