Tension in the table
An away goals rule could decide the Bundesliga final
May 9, 2026 – 1:45 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
There are several decisions pending in the Bundesliga two match days before the end. Away goals could play a big role.
Two match days before the end of the season, only the championship in the Bundesliga has been decided. FC Bayern secured the title for the 35th time weeks ago. But there is still a lot of tension behind the Munich team: especially in the fight for the Champions League and in the race for the relegation place.
In both cases, there are realistically three clubs still eligible for a place, and the fight for fourth place is particularly close. Bayer Leverkusen, currently fourth, VfB Stuttgart (fifth) and TSG Hoffenheim (sixth) all have 58 points after 32 games. The only difference between the teams at the moment is the goal difference.
Although two rivals, Stuttgart and Leverkusen, meet in a direct duel on matchday 33, the decision for fourth place will probably only be made at the end of the season. If two teams are still tied on points and also on goals, things get special. It’s worth taking a look at the DFL regulations. In the event of a tie, the following criteria apply in the order listed:
For example, there would be a tie in points and goals between Stuttgart and Leverkusen if VfB won 4-1 against the “Werkself” on Saturday, then lost 1-0 against Frankfurt and Bayer beat HSV 3-1. In that case, the Swabians would have the better end for themselves: With the direct comparison, the third criterion would apply – Stuttgart would then have won both games (first leg: 4:1).
