Borussia Dortmund Secures Bundesliga's Fifth Champions League Spot

In a moment of relief, Mats Hummels, the central defender for Borussia Dortmund, declared that securing a place in the Champions League for the upcoming season is a crucial step to make up for the disappointing performances in the Bundesliga. "Our Bundesliga season was not satisfactory, which was balanced out by our Champions League results," Hummels stated after the 1-0 victory in the first leg of the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain, as commented on the sports channel DAZN. Dortmund's win was significant not only for the club but also for the entire Bundesliga: It ensures the German elite league a fifth berth in the European Champions League for the next season. Germany now stands unchallenged at second place in the UEFA rankings and cannot be displaced from this position. For BVB, which cannot drop below fifth place due to the league standings, participation in the Champions League is thus guaranteed. Despite the joy over the international success, Hummels remains self-critical and warns that the performances in the national league and cup did not meet the club's expectations: "Even though we're pleased about the Champions League, we mustn't lose sight of reality. Fortunately, this season the fifth place suffices." The implications of Dortmund's victory also affect the competitive chances of other teams: RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart, which can no longer drop to sixth place, are assured of a place in the Champions League. Bayer Leverkusen, as reigning champions, and FC Bayern Munich had already booked their participation. Should Borussia Dortmund also win the Champions League and maintain their fifth place in the league, the door to the elite class for the 2024/2025 season would then open for Eintracht Frankfurt, the current sixth-place team in the Bundesliga.