Champions League Race Intensifies for Bundesliga Teams

As the conclusion of the Champions League group stage approaches, the competition is heating up among teams vying for a spot in the knockout rounds. Bundesliga clubs are facing crucial matches this week, with some on the verge of securing advancement, while others will need to earn maximum points and hope for favorable outcomes in other fixtures.

Qualification Structure Overview

To clarify the qualification process, the top 8 teams from the 36-team league stage will qualify automatically for the knockout phase. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will enter a play-off round for a chance to progress to the next level.

What Each Bundesliga Club Requires for Knockout Qualification

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich currently leads the pack among Bundesliga teams, holding the second position with 15 points.

They are set to host Belgian club Union SG on Wednesday. If results fall their way, they could secure a knockout berth ahead of the final matchday. Even if they remain three points clear in the top 8, their excellent goal difference should safeguard their progression, regardless of the outcome on the final day.

However, due to safety violations involving pyrotechnics at their matches, Bayern has received a €50,000 fine from UEFA, alongside a partial ban on the Südkurve for their upcoming game. This ban affects nearly all tickets for the lower tier of the stand, prompting the club to cancel and refund those tickets.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund will face Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, hoping to capitalize on the Premier League club’s recent struggles.

Currently, BVB sits in 10th place, just one point shy of the crucial qualification positions for the round of 16. A win against Spurs, who are also embroiled in their own crisis and placed 11th, would considerably enhance Dortmund’s chances of securing a top 8 finish.

While they face a crucial away encounter in London, Dortmund will return home for their final group match against Inter, who are aiming for qualification themselves. If they can secure three points in London, they might also encounter a less motivated Inter side on the last matchday.

Coach Niko Kovac will be without Marcel Sabitzer, but he welcomes back Ramy Bensebaini and Aaron Anselmino, who have recovered from previous absences. Kovac will need his best players on the field, as two victories in their last two matches are likely necessary for a guaranteed top 8 finish.

Bayer Leverkusen

Sitting 6th in the Bundesliga and struggling for form, Bayer Leverkusen is looking to their Champions League journey for a much-needed boost.

The team travels to Greece to take on Olympiacos on Tuesday. With Olympiacos sitting at the bottom of the group with just 9 points, the expectation is that Leverkusen will contend for a play-off spot. However, even winning both remaining matches may not be sufficient to breach the top 8.

This match is critical for Olympiacos as they seek their own qualification aspirations. However, a win for Leverkusen could solidify their path to a Champions League play-off position, or they may only need to draw during their last match against Villarreal.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt is experiencing a steep decline in the Bundesliga, leading to the dismissal of head coach Dino Toppmöller. Currently last in their Champions League group, the Eagles must secure victories in their final two matches, while also hoping for favorable results from others to maintain hopes for a play-off spot.

Frankfurt will travel to Azerbaijan to take on Qarabag. Although Frankfurt is the favored team going into the match, the lengthy travel poses potential challenges.

Securing a win over Qarabag would elevate Frankfurt to 7 points, bringing them close to the play-off spot. In their last group stage match, they will host Spurs in Frankfurt. By then, they could potentially have a new coach, as reports indicate that Marco Rose is being considered for the position following Toppmöller’s firing. Having been unemployed since his departure from RB Leipzig, Rose may be looking for an opportunity with Frankfurt.