Bayern Munich made a low-key return to the windy and rain-swept Bavarian capital on Sunday after its Champions League triumph over Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
A red-and-white Bayern scarf was painted above the cockpit of the jumbo Airbus 380 plane under the words, “Congratulations” as it landed with a delay.
Outgoing coach Jupp Heynckes and captain Philipp Lahm took the cup down the stairs from the plane onto a red carpet before being driven away from the airport in the team bus.
A few dozen airport and airline workers welcomed the team back. Bayern still has to play the German Cup final on Saturday and the club did not want a big ceremony. The team had a party at its London hotel after winning Saturday’s final 2-1. The plane parked at an isolated spot, out of sight of fans.
Despite the upheaval of a coaching change and hints at buying another main striker, Bayern believes it can dominate European soccer for years to come after triumphing in the Champions League on Saturday.
The Bundesliga champion can complete a German treble in the German Cup final against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday and such is the strength of its overall setup, further success is fully expected in the next few seasons.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, 68, is retiring at the end of the season and gives way to ultra successful former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and with Dortmund’s Germany midfielder Mario Gotze already signed up for next term and their striker Robert Lewandowski also eyed, Bayern’s confidence can only skyrocket.
Early storm
A year ago, the Bavarians were distraught after losing the final to Chelsea from a winning position on their home ground but after weathering an early Dortmund storm at Wembley, their experience shone though.
Bayern may not be as youthful as Dortmund, leaving Guardiola and the board with work ahead of them to renew the squad, but a generation of top players including Robben, Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm have now finally won the ultimate club prize.
