by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Though Bayern Munich has secured the Bundesliga title, the race for a UEFA Champions League spot remains wide-open, with four teams staying in contention.

This weekend's direct duels, pitting sixth-ranked Leverkusen against third-placed Leipzig, and fourth-ranked Stuttgart against fifth-placed Hoffenheim, heighten the tension.

Stuttgart has reached the 2026 German Cup final against Bayern on May 23 and qualified for next season's Europa League, but coach Sebastian Hoeness has a higher target.

"We are currently fourth, and it's clear that we want to push through to the Champions League," Hoeness said ahead of Saturday's game against Hoffenheim.

Hoeness regarded the Champions League as an additional source of motivation. "Two years ago, we experienced how exciting it is to play in Europe's best arenas and to challenge the best clubs," he said.

Stuttgart is facing the possible departure of several key players. Media reported that German internationals including Angelo Stiller, Deniz Undav and Jamie Leweling have attracted the attention of leading European clubs.

Leverkusen is trying to catch up, and coach Kasper Hjulmand is reported to possibly lose his job if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League.

For them, the outcomes of the duels against Leipzig and Stuttgart seem like the last chances to turn things around. ■