Bayern record title reflects dominance phenomenon

PARIS: Bayern Munich's 1-0 success at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday wrapped up the Bavarian giants' 23rd German title in record time, highlighting a curious phenomenon in Europe's top leagues this season.

Bayern's championship success came as they opened up a 20-point lead over the now-deposed champions Borussia Dortmund with just six games left to play.

While the Bavarians' dominance of their domestic league is unusually
pronounced, they are not alone in such feats.

Manchester United currently lead bitter city rivals Manchester City, themselves the reigning champions, by a staggering 15-points while Barcelona have a 13-point advantage over Real Madrid, who are also the Spanish title-holders.

Even in Italy this trend is not entirly bucked as Juventus hold a commanding 12-point advantage over Napoli, although the Old Lady of Turin are the champions and did start the season as favourites, while their chasers also have a game in hand.

Such statistics suggest these top European leagues have become as uncompetitive as the Rangers-less Scottish league but in fact even Celtic's points-per-game ratio pales in comparison with the continent's big-boys.

Although 15-points clear in their league, Celtic have a 2.09 ratio which is nowhere near Bayern's 2.68 points per game.

Barcelona are only just behind on 2.60 with United on 2.57.

Barcelona's ratio is only just behind the record Real Madrid managed when earning 100 points last season at a rate of 2.63, while United's surpasses the 95 points Chelsea gleaned in 2004/05 at a rate of 2.50.

A look at league tables would suggest Barca, United and Bayern are head and shoulders above the rest but the Champions League has proved their domestic bridesmaids are just as good as them. (AFP)