The battle for the Bundesliga will continue this weekend with the top contenders still running on the best possible streak. The same cannot be said about the chasing pack, as some of them have experienced major setbacks that have jeopardized their chances of winning the title.
Following last week's results, Bayer Leverkusen now hold an eight-point lead over Bayern München, who have already decided not to see the end of Thomas Tuchel's contract. The former Chelsea boss will put an end to his stint at Allianz Arena this summer, and if a miracle does not take place, it could be a matter of weeks before we see Xabi Alonso and Bayer claiming their first-ever Bundesliga title. The Aspirins are still unbeaten, and judging by what is coming this weekend, they could be taking one more step towards that title.
Speaking of the last two spots to play next year's UEFA Champions League, Stuttgart extended their lead over Borussia Dortmund, who need to go back to winning ways to keep the battle for the third spot alive until the final stages. Meanwhile, the race to escape relegation is still going, although Darmstadt seem doomed to join the 2. Bundesliga next season given how their campaign has turned out, with only two wins after 22 matches.
Here are the main things to keep in mind ahead of this weekend's matches.
Broadcast and streaming info for the Bundesliga in the United States
This week's games will be available to watch online via ESPN+, who will carry the full nine matches being played over the weekend. English and Spanish commentary will be available on the streaming platform for users in the U.S. to enjoy. Visit our dedicated ESPN+ website for full details and more entertainment options.
If you live in another country, check out our options to watch the Bundesliga here.
League standings ahead of Matchday 23
| Pos. | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayer Leverkusen | 31 | 25 | 6 | 0 | 77 | 22 | +55 | 81 | DDWWW | |
| 2 | Bayern München | 31 | 22 | 3 | 6 | 89 | 38 | +51 | 69 | WWWLL | |
| 3 | Stuttgart | 31 | 20 | 4 | 7 | 70 | 38 | +32 | 64 | DLWWD | |
| 4 | RB Leipzig | 31 | 19 | 5 | 7 | 73 | 35 | +38 | 62 | WWWWD | |
| 5 | Borussia Dortmund | 31 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 59 | 39 | +20 | 57 | LDWLW | |
| 6 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 31 | 11 | 12 | 8 | 47 | 42 | +5 | 45 | LWLDD | |
| 7 | Freiburg | 31 | 11 | 7 | 13 | 43 | 55 | -12 | 40 | LDWLW | |
| 8 | Augsburg | 31 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 48 | 52 | -4 | 39 | LLWLD | |
| 9 | Hoffenheim | 31 | 11 | 6 | 14 | 55 | 63 | -8 | 39 | LWLWL | |
| 10 | Werder Bremen | 31 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 41 | 50 | -9 | 37 | WWLDL | |
| 11 | Heidenheim | 30 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 43 | 52 | -9 | 34 | LDWDD | |
| 12 | Wolfsburg | 31 | 9 | 7 | 15 | 37 | 51 | -14 | 34 | WWLLW | |
| 13 | Borussia M'gladbach | 30 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 53 | 60 | -7 | 31 | LLWLD | |
| 14 | Bochum | 31 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 37 | 62 | -25 | 30 | WLDLD | |
| 15 | Union Berlin | 30 | 8 | 5 | 17 | 26 | 50 | -24 | 29 | LLLDW | |
| 16 | Mainz 05 | 30 | 5 | 12 | 13 | 31 | 48 | -17 | 27 | DWWDW | |
| 17 | Köln | 30 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 23 | 53 | -30 | 22 | LLWDL | |
| 18 | Darmstadt 98 | 30 | 3 | 8 | 19 | 30 | 72 | -42 | 17 | WLLDL |
Top games to watch
Bayer Leverkusen vs Mainz 05 - The league leaders return to BayArena after a fourth win in the last five domestic games, and now they get to face one of the teams struggling to avoid being dropped to 2. Bundesliga. Bayer have won four out of their last six fixtures against Mainz when playing as hosts, and judging by what we have seen this season, it seems highly unlikely to see them losing their unbeaten streak.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Bayern München vs RB Leipzig - What was one of the most anticipated games prior to the start of the season has turned into a key match for both. On one hand, Bayern are on a two-game losing streak, and as things stand, one more could see Thomas Tuchel's exit taking place now rather than in the summer. On the other hand, RB Leipzig have a good shot at making it to the top four, but they need to beat Die Roten at Allianz Arena and hope for Borussia Dortmund to drop points on Sunday.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Borussia Dortmund vs Hoffenheim - The Black and Yellow go back to Signal Iduna Park on Sunday with a task to accomplish: they need to win to keep RB Leipzig behind them. On top of that, their chances to finish third would increase with a victory, but Hoffenheim's current playing style could make it complicated. Dortmund have three consecutive wins at home against Hoffenheim, which may be a good omen for Edin Terzic's men.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Bundesliga - Full list of games to watch from February 23 to February 25
For more information, kick-off times, stats, and standings, visit our bespoke Bundesliga website.
