Bayern Munich may have wrapped up a seventh successive Bundesliga title on Saturday, but their domestic dominance was severely tested in one of the most exciting German league campaigns in years.
Perennial champions Bayern, who have romped to the title every season since 2013, finished just two points ahead of Borussia Dortmund.
Yet while the excitement was higher than ever at home, German clubs fared surprisingly poorly in European competition, raising concerns the Bundesliga is a league in decline.
Dortmund's title challenge, though ultimately unsuccessful, provided welcome respite from the hegemony Bayern have enjoyed in recent years.
Since 2013, the Bavarian giants had won six titles in a row by a margin of 10 points or more, and finished 25 points clear of Dortmund in 2013.
Forced to claw back a nine-point gap to retain their crown, even Bayern finally welcomed Dortmund's newfound strength.