European

Because the Bundesliga Rückrunde enters its last stretch, the race for European qualification is heating up.

With Bayern München and Bayer Leverkusen main the pack by a big margin, the battle for the remaining Champions League, Europa League and Convention League spots stays broad open.

A number of groups stay in competition, with simply seven factors separating third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, and Borussia Dortmund in tenth.

With essential fixtures forward, each passing week might show decisive in figuring out who secures a coveted spot.

Here’s a breakdown of the important thing contenders:

third – Eintracht Frankfurt – 42 factors

Since their 2-0 win in opposition to Borussia Dortmund on Matchweek 18, Eintracht Frankfurt have struggled with consistency. They adopted that victory with three irritating attracts in opposition to Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg, and Mönchengladbach, video games they arguably might have gained. A 3-1 win in opposition to Kiel on February sixteenth supplied some reduction, however subsequent heavy defeats in opposition to Bayern München (4-0) and Bayer Leverkusen (4-1) have stalled momentum.

The lack of Omar Marmoush to Manchester Metropolis has undoubtedly been a blow after the Egyptian netted 15 occasions and supplied 9 assists for die Adler previous to his departure.

Regardless of this, the upcoming fixture checklist appears to be like extra beneficial, with matches in opposition to Union Berlin and Bochum offering a possible platform to regain type. Nevertheless, they nonetheless have Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, and Mainz to navigate, with an important final-day fixture in opposition to Freiburg that could possibly be decisive.

4th – Mainz 05 – 41 factors

Bo Henriksen has labored wonders with Mainz, steering them from relegation bother final season to European competition this time period. Die Nullfünfer are heading in the right direction for his or her first European qualification in 9 years.

Defensively stable, Mainz have conceded simply 25 targets, solely league leaders Bayern Munich have a greater report. Up entrance, Jonathan Burkardt has been excellent with 14 targets, whereas backups Nelson Weiper and Armando Sieb have additionally contributed nicely. Their resilience and organisation make them a tricky opponent for any staff, as evidenced by their pre-Christmas outcome in opposition to Bayern.

An important 2-1 away win in opposition to RB Leipzig final weekend has boosted their momentum, however a tricky run awaits with matches in opposition to Mönchengladbach, Freiburg, and Dortmund subsequent.

Additional assessments in opposition to Wolfsburg, Bayern, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Leverkusen on the ultimate day might make for a dramatic end.

fifth – SC Freiburg – 40 factors

Freiburg’s presence within the European race is not shocking given the membership’s latest historical past, but it nonetheless feels outstanding. They’ve capitalised on winnable fixtures, with key victories over Stuttgart on opening day and dominant wins in opposition to Werder Bremen (1-0 and 5-0).

Nevertheless, their pre-Christmas dip raised considerations, and the remaining schedule is daunting. Freiburg face direct rivals Leipzig, Mainz, Dortmund, Gladbach, Wolfsburg, and Frankfurt, with a difficult tie in opposition to Leverkusen as nicely.

The ultimate-day conflict with Frankfurt could possibly be essential, however having already misplaced 4-1 to them in January, they could want to enhance considerably to safe a top-four spot.

Nevertheless, with regard to Freiburg’s season as a complete, Julian Schuster undoubtedly takes full reward after a wonderful debut 12 months as head coach.

sixth – RB Leipzig – 38 factors

With Marco Rose set to depart in the summertime, Leipzig are getting ready for a brand new period. Their Champions League exit was disappointing, however they nonetheless have a DFB-Pokal semi-final in opposition to Stuttgart to struggle for.

Champions League qualification stays paramount, each for the membership’s long-term imaginative and prescient and for maintaining stars like Benjamin Šeško, Loïs Openda, and Xavi Simons.

Their schedule is difficult, with video games in opposition to Freiburg, Dortmund, and Gladbach up subsequent, adopted by clashes with Frankfurt, Bayern, and Stuttgart on the ultimate day. Leipzig’s skill to navigate this run will possible decide their destiny.

seventh – VfL Wolfsburg – 37 factors

Wolfsburg have performed some exhilarating soccer this season, and Patrick Wimmer’s brace in opposition to Werder Bremen on Saturday, his second purpose a surprising strike, was a spotlight.

Out of the groups in competition, Wolfsburg arguably arguably have the best remaining fixtures, having already confronted Bayern and Leverkusen.

Their subsequent 4 video games in opposition to St. Pauli, Augsburg, Heidenheim, and Union Berlin present a golden alternative to construct momentum earlier than a more durable last stretch that features Leipzig, Mainz, Freiburg, Dortmund, and a final-day assembly with Gladbach.

Profitable the following 4 might put them in an advantageous place ought to different groups falter.

eighth – Borussia Mönchengladbach – 37 factors

Gladbach are an enigma. Earlier this season, they broke a weird streak of over two and a half years with out consecutive league wins. Regardless of inconsistencies, they continue to be within the European combine.

A snug 3-0 win over Heidenheim capitalised on Stuttgart’s loss to Bayern on the weekend, and new signing Tim Kleindienst has been a revelation, scoring 14 occasions. Nevertheless, heavy defeats like their 5-1 loss to Wolfsburg present their volatility.

Upcoming fixtures in opposition to Mainz, Leipzig, Freiburg, Dortmund, and Wolfsburg, with Bayern as their penultimate opponent, imply their destiny is much from safe. A final-day showdown with Wolfsburg could possibly be pivotal.

ninth – VfB Stuttgart – 36 factors

Stuttgart’s droop has been well-documented. A Champions League hangover contributed to their defeat to Gladbach initially of February, however their points run deeper. Dropped factors in opposition to Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim, and a house defeat to Bayern have hampered their marketing campaign.

A win in opposition to Kiel this weekend is significant forward of a tricky conflict with Leverkusen. The following fixture in opposition to Frankfurt, who beat them 3-2 in November, could possibly be essential.

The latter a part of their run presents alternatives: matches in opposition to Bochum, Bremen, Union Berlin, Heidenheim, St. Pauli, and Augsburg precede a final-day assembly with RB Leipzig. If Stuttgart can keep inside touching distance of the highest six earlier than this stretch, they may capitalize.

tenth – Borussia Dortmund – 35 factors

Dortmund’s season has been a catastrophe by their traditional requirements, however back-to-back Bundesliga wins have given them a glimmer of hope. Nuri Sahin was sacked in January and subsequently changed by ex-Frankfurt, Bayern and Wolfsburg man Niko Kovac.

Nevertheless, for die Schwarzgelben, in contrast to the golf equipment in and round them, the membership’s focus stays on securing a top-four end fairly than simply any European qualification.

After internet hosting Augsburg this weekend, BVB have an unforgiving schedule: they face Leipzig, Mainz, Freiburg, Bayern, Gladbach, Wolfsburg, and Leverkusen. With solely two matches exterior the highest eight (Hoffenheim and Kiel), Dortmund will want a big turnaround to salvage their season.