Tuchel desperate, with €12m at stake

– Millions of euros are at stake when Borussia Dortmund host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga today as both teams battle for the greater share of Champions League riches that come with a top-three finish.

Third place translates to more than €12 million in guaranteed revenue from participation in the Champions League group stage, compared to fourth place, which offers €3 million for its berth in the qualifying rounds.

Bayern Munich have already secured the title and RB Leipzig are in second place on 63 points.

Hoffenheim sit third on 58 with Dortmund a further point adrift with three matches remaining and the final standings likely to be determined by the outcome of their match.

Apart from the revenue boost, a top-three finish also means a longer off-season for players, instead of needing to be in peak shape by August for the Champions League qualifiers.

“We have the form, the self-confidence and mentality to get a home win at this stage,” Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel (right) said. “We will be prepared.”

Dortmund have had an erratic domestic campaign, ruining their hopes of playing a major role in the title race.

However, they enjoyed a successful Champions League run before their quarterfinal elimination by Monaco. –