The route to Europe: The scenario for TSG

The scenario:

It has been confirmed prior to the final matchday that TSG Hoffenheim can no longer finish outside the top eight places, with everything from sixth to eighth position still possible. The successes of the German teams in Europe this season have earned the Bundesliga an additional starting spot in the international competitions. Eight clubs will represent the league on the continental stage next season, but the distribution of places for the competitions remains unclear ahead of the finals in the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal. Should 1. FC Kaiserslautern win the DFB-Pokal final, the club from the Palatinate would qualify for the Europa League – and eighth place in the Bundesliga would not qualify its occupant for Europe.

Which place corresponds to which competition?

Sixth place will play in the Champions League if...

...Borussia Dortmund beat Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Sixth place will play in the Europa League if...

Borussia Dortmund lose the Champions League final.

Seventh place will play in the Europa League if...

…Bayer 04 Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.

Seventh place will play in the Conference League if...

...Bayer 04 Leverkusen lose the DFB-Pokal final.

Eighth place will place in the Conference League if...

...Bayer 04 Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.  

How can TSG finish in each position?

TSG will finish in sixth place if...

...they win themselves, Eintracht Frankfurt lose against RB Leipzig and one of the two matches ends with a margin of at least two goals.

TSG will finish in seventh place if...

...SC Freiburg (away to Union Berlin) do not make up at least two points on Hoffenheim.

TSG will finish in eighth place if...

…SC Freiburg (away to Union Berlin) make up two or more points on Hoffenheim.

The outlook

Regardless of the placement following the 34th matchday, TSG Hoffenheim will be keeping an eye on the two finals. The DFB-Pokal final between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Kaiserslautern will kick off on 25 May, with the Champions League showpiece between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid to taking place on 1 June. Everything is possible from the Champions League to missing out on European competition entirely. But TSG at least have participation in international competition in their own hands.