Borussia Dortmund put up the closest fight for the league title in recent years but a dip in form in the second half of the season meant they fell just short and once again played second fiddle to Bayern Munchen who secured the trophy on the final day.
Dortmund set the pace in the first half of the season as they capitalized on Bayern's poor start under Niko Kovac and headed into the winter break six points clear at the top. Key to their good form was a tight defense marshalled solidly by the midfield duo of Axel Witsel and Thomas Delaney who ensured persistent injuries in the defense did not prove to be costly.
They were complemented by a breakthrough campaign for Jadon Sancho who was arguably Dortmund's best player as the winger ended the season with 12 goals and 14 assists.
Dortmund though lost their way somewhat in the second half of the season, winning just 10 games compared to 13 before the winter break while also losing three times and were not able to stave off a resurgent Bayern side who managed to confirm their successful defense of the league title with a win in their final game.
Lucien Favre will be understandably disappointed not to have secured the league title and Dortmund have acted quickly in trying to improve their fortunes next season, already confirming three new signings less than a week after the campaign ended and should once again be Bayern's biggest challengers for the trophy
