German football enters the decisive phase of European cup competitions. While VfB Stuttgart prepares for the return leg against Celtic Glasgow with a substantial lead, Bayer Leverkusen celebrates advancement to the Champions League round of 16. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund prepares for a league clash with Bayern Munich, seeing it as the last chance to join the title race after a disappointing Champions League exit.

Comfortable situation for Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart defends a three-goal lead from Glasgow in the Europa League return leg in front of their home crowd.

Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16

The 'Werkself' advanced in the Champions League after a 0:0 draw, but the team's playing style has sparked considerable controversy.

BVB before a last-chance match

For Borussia Dortmund, Saturday's classic against Bayern Munich is the last opportunity to remain in the title race.

German football clubs are in the spotlight ahead of decisive outcomes in the Champions League and Europa League. VfB Stuttgart approaches Thursday's return leg against Scottish champions Celtic Glasgow in an extremely comfortable position after a 4:1 away victory. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß has almost a full squad at his disposal, though defensive leader Jeff Chabot is ruled out. The Stuttgart side could even afford a two-goal defeat to secure a place in the round of 16, which would be a success reminiscent of the club's historic European cup performances. VfB Stuttgart and Celtic Glasgow already met in the UEFA Cup round of 16 in the 2002/03 season. Back then, despite a 3:2 victory in the return leg at home, the German team was eliminated from the competition after an earlier defeat in Glasgow. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, after a goalless draw with Olympiacos Piraeus, sealed their advancement to the Champions League's last sixteen. Despite the success, the team's playing style under Kasper Hjulmand has faced a wave of criticism from experts and the players themselves, who described the performance as „weak”. The club's management does not hide concerns about the upcoming draw, where potential opponents include Bayern Munich and Arsenal London. Team captain Robert Andrich and German national team player Robert Andrich openly admitted they would prefer to avoid an internal German duel at such an early stage of the competition. „Wir müssen nicht darüber reden, das Spiel war insgesamt große Scheiße” (We don't need to talk about it, the game was overall complete crap) — Christoph Kramer In the Bundesliga, attention focuses on Borussia Dortmund, which after a painful Champions League elimination by Atalanta Bergamo, faces the chance to reduce the eight-point gap to Bayern Munich. Coach Niko Kovac emphasizes the need to improve defensive play and strengthen mentality. Simultaneously, in Munich, speculation continues about the future of Manuel Neuer, who according to reports plans to end his career with the Bavarian club, rejecting the possibility of moving abroad.

Mentioned People

  • Sebastian Hoeneß — VfB Stuttgart coach preparing the team for the return leg against Celtic.
  • Niko Kovac — Borussia Dortmund coach under pressure after Champions League elimination.
  • Manuel Neuer — Bayern Munich goalkeeper facing a decision about the end of his career.