The rampaging Bayern Munich continue to move like a fast train as they litterally raced to their 24th Bundesliga title undefeated and in a record time, beating Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Tuesday.
The result broke a number of records as Pep Guardiola's side wrapped up the title in March itself, the first team ever to do so.
"We'll celebrate this today and tomorrow," said Guardiolo with every reason to do so. Here's a look at the records that tumbled, the celebrations that followed and what next for the German champions.
RECORDS GALORE
1. It was Bayern's 19th consecutive win, their 10th consecutive victory away from home and they stretched their unbeaten run to 52 games. All are Bundesliga records.
2. The earliest Bundesliga champion in 51 years of the league, with seven games to spare.
3. The first side to win the Bundesliga in March.
4. Of the 27 games so far this season, Bayern have won 25 and drawn the other two.
5. Bayern have also scored more goals (79) and conceded fewer (19) than any other side by a large margin.
6. The team's previous seven titles also came at matches away from home.
7. Guardiola has made the best ever start for a coach in the Bundesliga, where he is yet to taste defeat, while he has led Bayern to three titles including the latest. Bayern had already won the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup under his tenure.
LOW-KEY CELEBRATIONS
Celebrations were reserved by usual standards, perhaps an indicator of how predictable the title race had become. Players donned T-shirts with the number 24 referring to Bayern's championships on their backs, while Guardiola remained on the bench speaking on his mobile phone. There were none of the traditional "beer showers" and no trophy was presented.
QUOTE UNQUOTE
"Praise has to go to the coach and the team. Pep Guardiola suits this team, he's not only an expert, he's also a fantastic guy." - Bayern Munich Sporting Director Matthias Sammer -
"Congratulations to Bayern, especially to coach Pep Guardiola. He developed the team even further and clearly left his mark in terms of dominance and possession." - Germany coach Joachim Loew -
"You always hope it goes well but I never expected it to go so well. The first four or five months were difficult but the individual talent saw us through. We'll celebrate this today and tomorrow." - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola -
WHAT NEXT?
With domestic domination appearing secure for years to come, Bayern will measure their success on a continental scale. The club's achievement of five European Cup or Champions League titles is eclipsed only by Real Madrid and AC Milan, with nine and seven, respectively.
Bayern aim to become the first side to defend the Champions League title since it was changed to the new format in 1992. It was handed a favorable draw for the quarter-finals in a Manchester United side still finding their feet since Alex Ferguson retired as coach.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
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