Goal picks out the star performers from across Germany from a dramatic final matchday of action
There’s nothing quite like the Bundesliga.
The 34th and final matchday of the season brought extraordinary drama, with Hoffenheim coming from behind at Borussia Dortmund to keep their heads above water, Schalke sealing Champions League football, Fortuna Dusseldorf ending their one-year stay in the top-flight and Jupp Heynckes signing off in style as his Bayern side secured a thrilling 4-3 win at his first club, Gladbach.
Between the posts, no one other than Koen Casteels can be considered. The young Belgian has endured a mixed season but made an astonishing number of saves to keep Borussia Dortmund at bay during Hoffenheim’s unlikely win at the Westfalenstadion.
Dani Carvajal retains his spot in defence after an accomplished performances for Bayer Leverkusen against Hamburg and Joel Matip was a rock for Schalke during their win at Freiburg. Finally, Arthur Boka makes the cut after putting in a typically energetic performance for Stuttgart during their 2-2 draw with Mainz, which was capped with his side’s second goal.
Three members of our midfield four ply their trade for Bayern. Javi Martinez led the Bavarians’ fight-back at Borussia Monchengladbach by scoring the first of their four goals, Bastian Schweinsteiger was his usual dominant self and Franck Ribery rounded off a brilliant season with two assists and a goal. Julian Draxler, meanwhile, scored a huge goal for Schalke during their gutsy 2-1 win at Freiburg.
Two Hannover players impressed up front. Didier Ya Konan ended the season with another two goals to his name in the 3-0 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf, with Mame Biram Diouf making one of them and scoring another. Stefan Kiessling is the final striker after netting his 25th goal of the season and clinching the top scorer gong.