Bundesliga Teams in UCL Avoid Each Other in Playoffs, But Round of 16 Clash Still Possible

The league phase of the UEFA Champions League ended with a bang on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, for the Bundesliga teams in the UCL, the results are mixed. Bayern Munich finished well in the top eight of the standings. They immediately qualified for the round of 16.

When compared with other German teams in Europe’s biggest club competition, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund finished outside the top eight, but inside the top 24. This means they have to win the playoffs to reach the round of 16. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt finished outside the top 24; therefore they were eliminated.

Bundesliga Teams in UCL: Playoff Draw

The draw for the knockout rounds of the Champions League playoffs takes place on Friday, January 30. Ahead, Bundesliga fans are worried that there will be a clash between Leverkusen and Dortmund, because they are one of two possibilities, each team must draw.

In the end, that didn’t happen, as Leverkusen drew against Greek champions Olympiacos, while Dortmund will face Atalanta Bergamo of Italy. However, there is a possibility that the two remaining Bundesliga teams in the UCL will face each other in the round of 16.

Bayern will face the winner of Leverkusen vs. Olympiakos or the team that advanced from Dortmund vs Atalanta, while first-place Arsenal will face the winner of one of the two matches.

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The Charm of European Club Football

When it comes to European club football at the highest level, one of the best things is that you get to play against teams you wouldn’t otherwise encounter in domestic competitions. When you meet national rivals there, it almost takes away the charm.

This does not only happen to Bundesliga teams in the UCL, but also to other teams on the continent.
A very rare exception to this rule was the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern and Dortmund.

It was a source of pride for all German football fans, and the match made for a magnificent spectacle, for all lovers of the Beautiful Game to enjoy, as well as being the best advertisement for the Bundesliga.

But when ‘national derbies’ happen so early in the season, as is likely to happen now, this is one of the weaknesses of the current Champions League format.

The downside is the fact that under the new system, there are smaller teams from lesser-known leagues who could now have a big chance in the knockout stages of the Champions League, whereas they will not.

Final Thoughts

Bundesliga teams in the UCL avoided meeting in the knockout playoffs, but if Leverkusen and/or Dortmund advance, they could face Bayern in the Round of 16.

Ultimately, this could impact the fight for one of the two additional Champions League spots that Bundesliga teams are expected to gain in the UCL next season. The English Premier League currently leads the race ahead of the Portuguese League, and the German League is in third place.

If German teams eliminate each other from the Champions League, it is unlikely they will gain that crucial second spot.

Main Photo

Credit: PICTURE / Area photo

Recording Date: 28.01.2026