The UEFA Champions League league stage came to a successful conclusion on Wednesday evening. As for UCL’s Bundesliga teams, the results have been mixed. Bayern Munich is in the top eight in the standings. They advanced directly to the top 16.

In terms of other German teams in Europe’s biggest club competition, neither Bayer Leverkusen nor Borussia Dortmund are in the top eight, but both are within the top 24. This means they must win a play-off match to advance to the last 16. Eintracht Frankfurt, meanwhile, did not make the top 24; therefore they were eliminated.

University College London (UCL) Bundesliga: Playoff draw

The draw for the Champions League knockout round play-offs takes place on Friday, January 30. Prior to this, Bundesliga fans were worried about a possible clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund, as they are one of two teams that will have to draw lots.

Ultimately, that didn’t happen as Leverkusen were drawn to face Greek champions Olympiakos, while Dortmund will face Italy’s Atalanta Bergamo. However, UCL’s remaining two Bundesliga teams are likely to face each other in the Round of 16.

Bayern will face the promoted side either Leverkusen against Olympiacos or Borussia Dortmund against Atalanta, while top-placed Arsenal will face the winner of the other of those two games.

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The charm of European club football

When it comes to club football at the highest level in Europe, one of the great things is that you get to play teams you wouldn’t face in domestic competitions. When you get national competitors out there, it almost loses some of its charm.

This applies not only to UCL’s Bundesliga teams, but to teams across the continent.
A very rare exception to this rule was the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.

This is the pride of all German football fans, that match brought a wonderful game to all those who love this beautiful game and is also the best advertisement for the Bundesliga.

But it’s one of the downsides of the current Champions League format when these “clásicos” happen so early in the season (as is now possible).

On the other hand, under the new system, some smaller teams from lesser-known leagues can now have a real chance of playing in the knockout stages of the Champions League, which they otherwise would not have done.

final thoughts

UCL’s Bundesliga side have avoided meeting in the knockout rounds but could clash with Bayern in the last 16 if Bayer Leverkusen and/or Borussia Dortmund advance.

Ultimately, this could have an impact on the UCL Bundesliga side’s bid for one of the two extra Champions League spots they hope to secure next season. Currently, the Premier League is ahead of the Portuguese league, with the German league in third place.

If the German teams knock each other out of the Champions League, they are less likely to secure a crucial second place finish.

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Credit: imagery / Territory photos

Record date: January 28, 2026