The race for Champions League qualification and the battle against relegation are keeping the Bundesliga on edge as the season enters its final stretch. Four teams are vying to join Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in next season's Champions League, while several others are fighting for survival in the top flight.
Relegation and Promotion Drama
Last-placed Heidenheim could be relegated this weekend. They face a daunting trip to Bayern Munich on Saturday. Heidenheim boosted their hopes with wins over Union Berlin and St. Pauli this month, but a win at Bayern would be a major surprise, especially as the already crowned league champion may field a weakened team ahead of their Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week. PSG won the first leg 5-4. Heidenheim would be relegated if they lose and St. Pauli, currently in the relegation playoff place, beat Mainz on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Schalke can clinch promotion from the second division with a win at home over Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday.
Champions League Chase
Third-placed Leipzig are best positioned with 62 points after five straight wins. They are followed by Stuttgart and Hoffenheim on 57 points each. Bayer Leverkusen are seven points behind Leipzig with three rounds to play. Hoffenheim host Stuttgart, and Leverkusen welcome Leipzig on Saturday in crucial duels for Champions League qualification.
Other Key Matchups
Union Berlin host Cologne on Saturday, with both teams just outside the relegation zone. Union are seeking their first points since Marie-Louise Eta was appointed coach. Borussia Dortmund visit Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.
Players to Watch
Leverkusen's 18-year-old Montrell Culbreath scored in the 3-1 win over Leipzig in December and is likely to feature again. Leipzig's Yan Diomande has been involved in goals in each of the last three games. Dortmund gave 18-year-old Italian forward Samuele Inacio his first start last weekend, while 16-year-old Mathis Albert became the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga. Bayern's 18-year-old Senegalese midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye made his first start last weekend and may get another chance against Heidenheim.
Injury News
Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow is out for the season with a muscle injury. Carl Klaus, who made his Bundesliga debut at age 32, will replace him.
Off the Field
Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba extended his contract through June 2031. The 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has played 183 Bundesliga games for the club since joining in 2020. The German soccer league (DFL) announced a strategic cooperation with Adidas, including a 100 million euro loan and an extension of the match ball deal until 2034.
