After 34 long weeks, the end of the 2023-24 Bundesliga season has arrived, and while the title and some of the top things to keep an eye on have been sorted out, there are still issues to take care of in the final week of the German top-flight's campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen have secured the title and the four teams joining the champions in next year's UEFA Champions League have also been handed, but there is still some uncertainty about which clubs will be playing in the other European competitions. If that was not enough, the relegation battle is yet to be sorted out, with up to five teams facing the drop or being involved in the relegation playoff.
Without further ado, here's what to keep in mind ahead of this weekend's matches.
Broadcast and streaming info for the Bundesliga in the United States
Fans in the U.S. will be able to follow all of this week's games via ESPN+, who will carry the full nine matches being played over the weekend. English and Spanish commentary will be available on the streaming platform for users in the U.S. to enjoy. Visit our dedicated ESPN+ website for full details and more entertainment options.
If you live in another country, check out our options to watch the Bundesliga here.
League standings ahead of Matchday 34
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Top things to keep an eye on
Bayer ending with an unbeaten season?
Xabi Alonso's men are one game away from finishing the Bundesliga season without a loss, and since that has never happened before, we should really keep track of that milestone. Bayer struggled to beat Augsburg in their first match of the season, but with that final hurdle to overcome, a party is expected at BayArena to celebrate a historic run by the Aspirins.
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Which teams will play in Europe next season?
The UEFA Champions League spots have already been handed out, leaving two more to be sorted out for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League...or maybe more.
As things stand, Eintracht Frankfurt are close to sealing a spot in the Europa League, which they would do with only one point. Hoffenheim need a victory to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League, and Freiburg are still in the race to play in Europe if they win their clash. Additionally, if Bayer Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal, Freiburg -or the team that finishes in eighth- will make it to the Conference League next season.
Games to follow:
Relegation battle at a glance
Darmstadt has already been relegated, but Köln, Union Berlin, Mainz 05, and even Bochum are involved in the relegation battle. Köln need to win their game to reach the playoff spot, but if Union Berlin draw their match, the Billy Goats will be relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. Union Berlin also need to win their game and wait for Mainz or Bochum to drop points, which would give them the option to escape the relegation playoff.
Games to follow:
Bundesliga - Full list of games to watch on May 18, 2024
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For more information, kickoff times, stats, and standings, visit our bespoke Bundesliga website.