Champions League rules leave teams chasing targets

DUESSELDORF: How many teams qualify for the Champions League from the Bundesliga? Definitely four. Probably five. Possibly six. Bayern Munich’s and Borussia Dortmund’s heroics in reaching the Champions League semifinals mean the fight for European qualification in Germany is complex, ever changing and could leave teams relying on their rivals to succeed.

It’s like chasing a moving target for clubs such as Dortmund, Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg. They may not know which competition they’re in until two weeks ater the Bundesliga season wraps up on May 18.

There are some potentially strange outcomes, too. Currently seventh ahead of playing Frankfurt on Friday, Augsburg could qualify for the Champions League, the Europa League, the Conference League or no competition at all. Lowly Kaiserslautern could play the Europa League from the third division next season.

The main cause of the uncertainty is the revamped Champions League expanding from 32 to 36 teams next season, when it also introduces a new league round to replace groups. It’s still the biggest stage in European soccer, with prize money roughly four times that of the Europa League.

Two of those extra spots will go to fith-place teams from leagues whose teams perform best in European competitions this season. Those spots are likely - but not yet certain - to head to Italy and Germany, whose advantage over third-placed England was boosted when Bayern knocked out Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.

So far, so good. If Frankfurt doesn’t beat Augsburg on Friday, then the top five is set to be some combination of champion Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern, Stutgart, Leipzig and Dortmund.