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Several clubs are jostling for European qualification, including Leipzig, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Several clubs are jostling for European qualification, including Leipzig, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. - © DFL
Several clubs are jostling for European qualification, including Leipzig, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. - © DFL
bundesliga

The Bundesliga's race to play European football in 2025/26

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With the season entering its final few months, those hoping to grab a European spot are jostling for position behind the division leaders. bundesliga.com assesses the chances of all concerned, as the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt plot a course for the continent next season...

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Mainz
Position: 3rd
Points: 45 (26 games)
Goals: 44-28 (+16)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Mainz have upset the traditional domestic order to play in Europe before, doing so under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel, among others. Bo Henriksen is the latest man making waves in the Mainz hotseat - and what a season they are enjoying under the Dane. Wins against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have formed part of a nine-match unbeaten home run that puts Mainz firmly in contention for European qualification. With top scorer Jonathan Burkardt putting injury troubles behind him, the 05ers are well placed to make a push for a continental spot in the final months of the season.

Watch: Mainz became the first team to beat Bayern this season

How does European qualification work?

Eintracht Frankfurt 
Position: 4th
Points: 45 (26 games)
Goals: 54-40 (+14)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Despite their form dipping up and down, it is still set to be a fine season for Dino Töppmöller's men. The Eagles have shown they have the strength as a unit to compensate for the loss of top scorer Omar Marmoush in the January transfer window and mount a serious bid for the top four, starting the new year with six matches unbeaten. Hugo Ekitiké has been a dazzling forward presence, with 13 goals for the campaign, and will be key to the club's top-four ambitions.

Watch: Bochum 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt - highlights

RB Leipzig
Position: 5th
Points: 42 (26 games)
Goals: 41-33 (+8)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

A mainstay of the UEFA Champions League places since the 2017/18 season, Leipzig certainly lived up to their high standards at the start of the season. However, an extensive injury list which included a long-term layoff for star playmaker Xavi sent them on a bit of a downward spiral. Die Roten Bullen do now have Xavi back from injury and they are now looking at making a renewed push to once again land in the top four at the end of May. 

Watch: Highlights of Leipzig's Matchday 26 win over Dortmund

Freiburg
Position: 6th
Points: 42 (26 games)
Goals: 36-38 (-2)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Uncertainty was the overwhelming feeling in the Black Forest before the start of the season as Julian Schuster stepped into the sizeable coaching footprints left by Christian Streich and his record-breaking time in charge. Freiburg have looked every bit the same quietly effective outfit under the new boss, however. Results have been up and down all season, but a seven-match unbeaten run since the start of February has lifted Freiburg up the standings. With Vincenzo Grifo continuing to be a dependable creative force in an experienced side, European qualifiation could well be on the cards again.

Watch: Freiburg 5-0 Werder Bremen - highlights

Borussia Mönchengladbach
Position: 7th
Points: 40 (26 games)
Goals: 43-40 (+3)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

The Foals came worryingly close to a relegation play-off at the end of 2023/24 but, thanks in large part to the arrival of super striker Tim Kleindienst, Gerardo Seoane's side look far better equipped for a European push this time around. They have nobody to fear when it comes to clocking enough points over the remainder of the campaign, but inconsistency has held them back at times this season.

Watch: Tim Kleindienst - late into the limelight

Wolfsburg
Position: 8th
Points: 38 (26 games)
Goals: 49-40 (+9)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

After a few seasons of huffing and puffing, the Wolves are now breathing fresh air into the top half of the Bundesliga table as they aim for their first European qualification spot since 2020/21. Ralph Hasenhüttl has masterminded the revival this term, with loan signing Mohamed Amoura bringing attacking momentum. Just two defeats in their first 11 matches in 2025 is the kind of form that could guide them back into Europe.

Watch: The best of Mohamed Amoura

Augsburg 
Position: 9th
Points: 38 (26 games)
Goals: 29:35 (-6)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Augsburg were not everyone's tip for European qualification at the start of the season, having last finished a campaign in the top half back in 2014/15 (then finishing fifth and earning a Europa League place). Three defeats in their opening five matches did not augur too well, but Jess Thorup has steadied the ship admirably, and they are currently enjoying a 10-game unbeaten run since the middle of January, during which Finn Dahmen has kept eight clean sheets and only had to pick the ball out his net twice. That kind of steel could well see Augsburg emerge as surprise European qualifiers. 

Watch: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Augsburg - highlights

VfB Stuttgart 
Position: 10th
Points: 37 (26 games)
Goals: 47-43 (+4)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Stuttgart faced a challenging start to a campaign that kicked off without departed giants like Serhou Guirassy and Waldermar Anton. A run of six wins in eight games sent Sebastian Hoeneß's men surging up the standings and back into familiar territory but they now have just one win in their last five games. Key goal threat Deniz Undav has returned after injury issues, though, and at an ideal time to propel a push for a second consecutive top-four finish.

Watch: Stuttgart win at Dortmund on Matchday 21 - highlights 

Borussia Dortmund
Position: 11th 
Points: 35 (26 games)
Goals: 45-41 (+4)

Last 5 results:

Next 5 matches:

Dortmund had looked largely untouchable at home under Nuri Şahin, but away struggles - with just one win in their first nine on the road - largely led to his departure in January. New boss Niko Kovač is aiming to quickly put things right so that last season's Champions League finalists can enter European competition in some shape or form next term. With Serhou Guirassy continually serving up goals and Jamie Gittens shining on the wing, the Black-Yellows certainly have the quality to rise up the table and end the season strongly.

Watch: Guirassy & Gittens - Dortmund’s double G-Force

About the clubs
VfL Wolfsburg
Volkswagen Arena
SC Freiburg
Europa-Park Stadion
FC Augsburg
WWK ARENA
Borussia Dortmund
SIGNAL IDUNA PARK
RB Leipzig
Red Bull Arena
Eintracht Frankfurt
Deutsche Bank Park
1. FSV Mainz 05
MEWA ARENA
SV Werder Bremen
Weserstadion
Borussia Mönchengladbach
BORUSSIA-PARK
VfB Stuttgart
MHPArena
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