RB Leipzig will not feature in any European competition next season after finishing 7th in the 2024/25 Bundesliga, ending a run of consistent continental appearances dating back to their top-flight debut in 2016.
On the final day of the season, Leipzig hosted VfB Stuttgart in a must-win encounter but fell short in a thrilling 2-3 defeat at the Red Bull Arena. The loss sealed their fate, with Mainz overtaking them to clinch the final UEFA Europa Conference League spot.
At the top end of the table, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt , and Borussia Dortmund claimed the four UEFA Champions League places. Freiburg will head into the UEFA Europa League, joined by Mainz in the Conference League.
Leipzig’s campaign was marred by inconsistency, especially in key matches down the stretch. Despite boasting an impressive squad on paper, their failure to capitalise on opportunities ultimately cost them a European berth.
Elsewhere, Bochum and newly promoted Holstein Kiel were relegated after finishing in the bottom two. Meanwhile, Heidenheim, will enter the relegation playoff against the third-placed team from the 2. Bundesliga, hoping to secure another season in the top flight.
As the curtain falls on a disappointing season, Leipzig faces a summer of reflection and restructuring — with plenty of work ahead if they are to reclaim their spot among Germany’s elite.
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Story by: Samuel Annang | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah