Bundesliga: Incredible comeback sees Alba Berlin win championship title in Munich

Alba Berlin has achieved a stunning championship victory, defeating top favorites Bayern Munich 84-81 in a dramatic Game 5 of the Basketball Bundesliga finals. The Berlin-based team staged an incredible comeback, overcoming a 20-point halftime deficit to clinch their 12th league title on the road.

The win was particularly poignant as it denied veteran Bayern coach Svetislav Pesic a final trophy in his last game before retiring. For Bayern Munich, the season concludes without a title, marking a disappointing end after a dominant regular season. Alba, the "Albatrosse," emerged as the season's surprise package.

Berlin's remarkable turnaround began after halftime, where they trailed 27-47. Led by precision shooters Jonas Mattisseck and Justin Bean, who both scored 18 points, the visitors fought their way back into the game. Despite 24 points from German star Andreas Obst, Bayern could not hold onto their substantial lead.

The series' dramatic turn was largely due to a significant collapse by Bayern in Game 4. Leading by ten points in the third quarter in Berlin, Bayern appeared poised to secure the title. However, Alba unleashed an astonishing 26-2 run, ultimately winning the game 71-61. This marked one of Bayern's lowest scoring outputs of the season.

Bayern coach Pesic expressed bewilderment at his team's loss of focus. "I have never had this situation in my time at Bayern where we lost our concept," he stated. Teammate Justus Hollatz described the feeling as "completely losing the thread" and being unable to escape the downward spiral. Meanwhile, Alba sensed their opportunity for a major upset, with player Michael Rataj urging the team to "close the deal."