The race to win the 2023-24 Bundesliga season is over, as Bayer Leverkusen have started their reign as champions for the first time in history. Nonetheless, there is still much to decide in the final weeks of action, including European competition spots and the names of the teams that will get the drop to the 2. Bundesliga.
The unbeaten champions suffered quite a scare last week, as their flawless run was close to ending one more time in their clash against Stuttgart, who saw a two-goal lead evaporate in the dying moments of the game. As things stand, Stuttgart are now third behind Bayern, and with RB Leipzig breathing down their neck, any points left behind could be key to see them go down or up in the table.
When it comes to the lower half of the table, Darmstadt are already relegated to the 2. Bundesliga, as not even winning all their games could change their fate. Köln, Mainz, Bochum, and Union Berlin are still struggling to secure their spot in next year's Bundesliga, but a win for Berlin and Bochum would almost be enough to seal their spot in the top-flight next year.
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 32
[TABLE 7]
Top games to watch
Hoffenheim vs RB Leipzig - A crucial game for Leipzig will kick things off this weekend, with the Red Bulls just two points away from third place. The team led by Marco Rosé has won four in a row, which has served their plans perfectly, but it will be worthless if they cannot secure one more victory here. As for Hoffenheim, the hosts enter this game in ninth place, and while it may seem like a long shot, a win here could get them closer to European tournaments if things go their way.
[MATCH 4694222]
Stuttgart vs Bayern - The Bavarians are one point away from securing the runner-up spot all to themselves, but since this has been a disappointing season, it would be wise not to take anything for granted. Bayern are unbeaten in their last nine games against Stuttgart, with only two of those games ending in draws. While Stuttgart have enjoyed quite a decent competition, their momentum seems to have faded away recently, which may make it a bit more complicated for them to win this tie and get closer to second place one more time.
[MATCH 4694224]
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen - Xabi Alonso's team has been living on the edge after winning the title, and facing Frankfurt will not be an easy task. With the team a bit tired due to their Europa League game, it would not be strange to see Alonso rotating his squad. Even so, with three wins in their last four against the Eagles, Bayer have to be named favorites. Eintracht will enter this game in sixth place, far away from Champions League spots but close enough to force them to win points in this game to keep that spot all to them.
[MATCH 4694219]
Bundesliga - Full list of games to watch on May 3-5, 2024
[SCHEDULES competition 7 2024-05-02 2024-05-06]
For more information, kickoff times, stats, and standings, visit our bespoke Bundesliga website.