Bayern Munich has become the first Bundesliga team in history to clinch the so-called “Herbstmeisterschaft,” or autumn championship, after just 14 games. The Bavarian giant moved 10points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table after beating SC Frieburg, 2-0, on Wednesday. Bayern now has 37 points and an astonishing goal difference of 35. Second-place Bayer Leverkusen has 27points and a goal difference of 8.
The Herbstmeisterschaft is the unofficial title handed to the league leaders after the first half of the season. Out of the 49 winter champions so far, 32went on to win the league title. Despite the record-breaking achievement, Bayern players sounded cautious, particularly ahead of the German “clasico” against Borussia Dortmund onSaturday (GolTV, 11:30 am ET).
>”This means nothing,” midfielder Toni Kroos said. “Just remember last year!” Bayern also won the autumn championship last year, threepoints ahead of Dortmund and Schalke 04 before beginning the second half of the season, but Dortmund eventually went on to win the Bundesliga title. In fact, in the Bundesliga, Bayern has lostthe last four games against Dortmund. “It is time to finally beat Dortmund again,” said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.