Bundesliga’s race for Europe: Can Dortmund come again to succeed in

Apr 24, 2025, 10:49 AM ET

Whilst there’s little suspense on the very height of the Bundesliga desk, with Bayern Munich touring inexorably to a Meisterschale raise, we are in very other and extra aggressive territory within the Eu qualification shakeup. When the track stops on Would possibly 17, it is tricky to mention with any sure bet who will occupy positions 3 via six, specifically the up-for-grabs Eu puts awarded on league benefit.

So, who will global spielen (qualify for Europe)? Within the absence of promises, here’s my overview of the runners and riders.

Ultimate agenda: vs. RB Leipzig, at Mainz, vs. St. Pauli, at SC Freiburg

Bundesliga desk

I’ve a just right good friend in Frankfurt who veers reflexively to the pessimistic on issues Eintracht, however I am right here to mention: optimism must be triumphant. Sure, Dino Toppmöller’s facet installed most likely their least compelling first part of the season in Augsburg on Sunday, but it surely got here at the again of an exacting and emotionally tricky UEFA Europa League go out in opposition to Tottenham Hotspur.

Now granted, this Sunday’s Direktduell with Leipzig, their leader opponents for 0.33 position, is gargantuan and Eintrach scheiterte (a perfect phrase for failed!) within the two earlier head-to-head conferences with them. Plus, with out the affect of the injured Mario Götze, there is now not the similar float.

In Götze’s absence, Toppmöller on Sunday went for a Systemumstellung (trade of form) to 2 up entrance earlier than reverting to the setup that had in the past served the membership neatly with Hugo Ekitike partnerless.

Eintracht must nail down now not simply Eu soccer, however a UEFA Champions League spot, and I be expecting them to do it earlier than the possibly tricky go back and forth to Freiburg at the ultimate day.

4. RB Leipzig | 49 issues | +10 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Eintracht Frankfurt, vs. Bayern Munich, at Werder Bremen, vs. VfB Stuttgart

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Leipzig have ascended to the Champions League on all however one instance since turning into a Bundesliga facet in 2016. Their possibilities this time period glance wackelig (shaky) to mention the least. Saturday’s 1-1 draw with backside membership Holstein Kiel, in particular within the first part, equipped scant proof that RBL of their present guise underneath period in-between supervisor Zsolt Löw are just right sufficient.

In some way, because of Mainz conceding within the 89th minute in opposition to VfL Wolfsburg, Leipzig controlled to carry directly to fourth position, however the fixture record is a ways from simple and captain Péter Gulácsi’s absence in Frankfurt this weekend because of concussion protocol laws isn’t what Leipzig want.

I do assume Leipzig will constitute Germany in Europe however have restricted self assurance in them attaining the Champions League this time, which might imply a huge monetary blow for a membership that has grown aware of qualifying.

5. Freiburg | 48 issues | -4 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Wolfsburg, vs. Bayer Leverkusen, at Holstein Kiel, vs. Eintracht Frankfurt

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SC Freiburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim – Recreation Highlights

Watch the Recreation Highlights from SC Freiburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim, 04/19/2025

In Julian Schuster’s first season in rate, Freiburg were on one thing of an Achterbahnfahrt (curler coaster journey), however it is person who guarantees to finish undoubtedly. Their effects are available extraordinary waves: 4 victories in a row, adopted by way of 5 and not using a win and now a two-match profitable series for the Breisgau membership. Vincenzo Grifo and Ritsu Doan, inverted wingers each, are their key manufacturers however their unyielding spirit of the membership is embodied by way of Saturday’s participant of the tournament within the win in opposition to TSG Hoffenheim: striker Lucas Höler. Under no circumstances a prolific scorer, Höler’s a hefty handful and his talents come with ball profitable and urgent, without equal Arbeitstier (workhorse).

There may be each explanation why to consider Freiburg will likely be in Europe, however as for which festival? It might really be any one in all 3.

6. Mainz | 47 issues | +12 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Bayern Munich, vs. Eintracht Frankfurt, at VfL Bochum, vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Whilst commentating for the Bundesliga’s international feed at the Mainz-Wolfsburg recreation this previous weekend, I may sense the anxiousness within the MEWA Area close to the tip. Mainz, forward 2-1, had been at the cusp of finishing a four-game run and not using a win however conceded an 89th-minute leveler to Denis Vavro. All of it went eerily quiet because the Rheinhessen dropped from fourth position to 6th at the Blitztabelle (are living desk.)

With the present height 3 nonetheless to come back, it’s going to take one thing slightly peculiar for Bo Henriksen’s workforce to succeed in Europe in any respect, let on my own the Champions League. The excellent news is captain and file top-flight scorer Jonathan Burkardt returned final week and Phillipp Mwene will likely be again on Saturday at Bayern.

Ultimate agenda: at Hoffenheim, vs. Wolfsburg, at Bayer Leverkusen, vs. Holstein Kiel

After an underwhelming first 3 quarters of the season, Borussia Dortmund have discovered shape at simply the precise time. Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund by the use of Getty Pictures

Sure, let’s get to the schwarz-gelb (black and yellow) elephant within the room. I’ve been bullish about Dortmund for a couple of weeks now, basically since the self assurance is again, they usually obviously have the thrashing of maximum Bundesliga facets. Credit score to Niko Kovač, he has simplified issues and located a device that performs to the benefits of many of the key gamers. The use of a Dreierkette (again 3) is a part of that, and on Sunday within the win over Borussia Monchengladbach, he used to be in a position to deal with Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi in assault. Beier needed to cross off injured within the thirty fourth minute and used to be taken to health facility however the harm isn’t as critical as used to be first feared.

The fairway shoots of restoration were glaring in fresh weeks, in particular in the second one part of the spirited 2-2 draw with Bayern. I see Dortmund as a Eu workforce subsequent season and is probably not shocked given their fixture record and league shape — ten issues from 4 video games — in the event that they go back to the Champions League. The fashion is their good friend.

8. Werder Bremen | 45 issues | -6 GD

Ultimate agenda: vs. St. Pauli, at Union Berlin, vs. RB Leipzig, at Heidenheim

If you wish to discover a workforce that is formstark (in shape), glance no additional than the workforce from the Weser. That Werder are within the operating for Europe in any respect is astonishing, taking into consideration their past due iciness sag of 7 aggressive defeats in a row, however now are buoyed by way of 4 instantly victories. It is simple to look a trail into continental festival for Ole Werner’s facet, particularly with a manageable run-in.

Mitchell Weiser stays the participant in all probability to make a decision video games of their desire, however a distinct point out should cross to Scottish attacker Oliver Burke, who has grow to be a typical, used to be the quickest participant within the Bundesliga final weekend and — a lot to Bremen’s chagrin — has agreed to a long-term maintain Union.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 26 (all instances ET)
• Leverkusen vs. Augsburg (9:00 a.m.)
• Bayern Munich vs. Mainz (9:00 a.m.)
• Hoffenheim vs. Dortmund (9:20 a.m.)
• Crystal Palace vs. Villa (11:45 a.m.)
• Barcelona vs. Actual Madrid (3:00 p.m.)

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 (all instances ET)
• Palace vs. West Ham (WSL) (7:25 a.m.)
• Bochum vs. Union Berlin (9:20 a.m.)
• Villarreal vs. Espanyol (10:05 a.m.)
• Wooded area vs. Manchester Town (11:00 a.m.)
• Bremen vs. St. Pauli (11:20 a.m.)

9. Borussia Monchengladbach | 44 Issues | +2 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Holstein Kiel, vs. Hoffenheim, at Bayern Munich, vs. Wolfsburg

Gladbach are heading within the mistaken path at a an important time and can almost certainly must win 3 in their ultimate 4 suits to actually have a probability of qualifying for Europe. Tim Kleindienst has been a colossus since becoming a member of from Heidenheim and a minimum of they’ve Franck Honorat have compatibility once more to offer deliveries for the tall heart ahead. It’s imaginable to envisage a few wins at the jump in opposition to Kiel and Hoffenheim, which would possibly reset the scales to the benefit of die Fohlen (the Foals.)

10. FC Augsburg | 43 issues | -7 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Bayer Leverkusen, vs. Holstein Kiel, at Stuttgart, vs. Union Berlin

Stubborn and obstinate, Augsburg have already hit their goal of the Klassenerhalt (staying up) and ensuring of a fifteenth successive Bundesliga season. Younger defender Chrislain Matsima is a celebrity within the making however their power lies most commonly within the collective, coached beautifully by way of Jess Thorup. A Eu position will be the cherry on height, however it is not likely now.

11. Stuttgart | 41 issues | +6 GD

Ultimate agenda: at Heidenheim, at St. Pauli, vs. Augsburg, at RB Leipzig

This has been a perplexing season for Stuttgart, but they may finally end up with their first trophy since 2007, taking into consideration they are transparent favorites to win the German Cup on the expense of third-tier Arminia Bielefeld. They’ve attacking firepower, as proven within the exciting 4-4 draw with Union on Saturday, and Nick Woltemade in his first season dressed in the white blouse with the purple Brustring (the stripe at the chest) has emerged because the standout performer.

Nonetheless, a top-six end now appears to be like past VfB. Peaking at the special day in Berlin on the finish of Would possibly is the concern.