Though bayern munich

Though Bayern Munich: Though Bayern Munich has secured the Bundesliga title, the race for a UEFA Champions League spot from Germany remains wide-open, with four teams staying in contention.

This weekend's direct duels, pitting sixth-ranked Leverkusen against third-placed Leipzig, and fourth-ranked Stuttgart against fifth-placed Hoffenheim, heighten the tension. Stuttgart have reached the 2026 German Cup final against Bayern on May 23 and qualified for next season's Europa League, but coach Sebastian Hoeness has a higher target. "We are currently fourth, and it's clear that we want to push through to the Champions League," Hoeness said ahead of Saturday's game against Hoffenheim.

Hoeness regarded the Champions League as an additional source of motivation. "Two years ago, we experienced how exciting it is to play in Europe's best arenas and to challenge the best clubs," he said.