The 2000-01 campaign was a season of ultimate redemption and historic success for Bayern Munich, delivering a stunning Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League double under the leadership of manager Ottmar Hitzfeld. The Bundesliga title was won in the most dramatic fashion, with Patrik Andersson's last-minute free-kick against Hamburg on the final day securing the championship and devastating rivals Schalke 04. While the Brazilian striker Giovane Élber's 15 league goals were vital, the season's defining moment was the Champions League triumph, which finally brought the European Cup back to Munich after 25 years. Driven by the legendary core of Oliver Kahn and captain Stefan Effenberg, Der FCB marched to the final, eliminating the preceding two Champions League winners, Manchester United and Real Madrid, along the way. In the final, Bayern defeated Valencia 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw, with Kahn's heroics and Effenberg's penalty burying the pain of the 1999 final loss. It was a golden year that cemented the team's status as the kings of Europe and remains a defining chapter in the club's illustrious history.