Will the Bundesliga win a fifth or even sixth UEFA Champions League spot?
The fifth-placed team in the 2023/24 Bundesliga might be in line for a bonus spot in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League thanks to the strong performances of German sides in European competitions this season. But could there even be six teams? bundesliga.com explains how it could play out...
The battle for spots in the top four - and with it the chance to play Champions League football - is usually one of the most thrilling storylines in the final weeks of a Bundesliga season, and this year is no exception, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig looking like taking their battle for fourth to the final weeks of the campaign.
While the risk that one of those talented sides will have to miss out on the Champions League next season will be the source of great drama over the final weeks, there is a chance that the campaign has a happy end for both, thanks to the prospect of an extra fifth spot in the Champions League.
Champions League organisers UEFA are awarding an extra qualification spot to the two best-performing leagues in the current season according to its own co-efficient rankings. There is a complicated points system behind that, but the more wins and further a league's teams go in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League, the higher that league climbs in the rankings.
The Bundesliga has been in the top two all season, ahead of England's Premier League (17.375). The Bundesliga has a coefficient of 17.928, just behind Italy's Serie A (19.428) in first place.
Current UEFA association club coefficients (as of 17 April 2024)
- Italy - 19.428
- Germany - 17.929
- England 17.375
- France - 16.083
- Spain - 15.312
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There are still lots of precious points to play for with the UEFA competitions now into the semi-final stages. Dortmund's Champions League quarter-final victory over Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich's triumph over Arsenal means the Bundesliga will have two representatives in then UEFA Champions League semi-finals, while Leverkusen have joined them in the Europa League.
Leverkusen's battle with West Ham United could now ensure that Germany hold off the challenge from England - especially after Manchester City were eliminated by Real Madrid and no English side remains in the Champions League.
It is likely we will have to wait until the UEFA Champions League final on 1 June until the recipients of the two extra spots in the revamped competition next season are confirmed. Should the Bundesliga claim one, whichever side finishes fifth would have extra reason to be proud of their successes in Europe earlier in the season (if it is Dortmund, Leipzig or Eintracht Frankfurt) and appreciate the European exploits of their domestic rivals. Indeed, a scenario whereby Dortmund fans may have to root for their rivals from Munich to lift the trophy with the big ears could play out following the conclusion of the domestic league seasons, for the Westphalians to benefit.
It would not be the first time the Bundesliga has sent five representatives into Europe's elite club competition. Frankfurt's 2021/22 Europa League victory saw them earn Champions League qualification for 2022/23 in addition to four sides that qualified via the league.
It's worth noting, though, that the prospect of Dortmund lifting the Champions League for the second time in their history could in fact throw up the potential for a sixth Bundesliga qualifier.
That would happen if they finished fifth or lower, and the Bundesliga receives its extra co-efficient-related berth. Dortmund would qualify as holders, the top four as normal, and then the next best-placed German team as well.
However, if Borussia win the Champions League and finish in the top four, their berth as holders is passed to another country.
All will become clearer as we approach the finishing line for 2023/24...
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