:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62679891/1072445082.jpg.0.jpg)
Historically, the Bundesliga has relied on Bayern Munich to be the team to “show up” in the UEFA Champions League. Other clubs occasionally make some noise in the competition at various levels, but no club has been as consistent as the Bavarians. This season, however, it appears that several clubs want to potentially challenge for trophies.
Three of the four clubs in the Champions League have advanced to the knockout rounds. Bayern and Borussia Dortmund should be among the large group of favorites this year, while Schalke will be thrilled their Bundesliga performances didn’t carry over to the Champions League.
The lone club to not make it, Hoffenheim, was in the Champions League group stage for the first time ever. While they didn’t pick up a win, they had three draws and all three of their losses were by only one goal. With an overmatched squad, those results show you why RB Leipzig are excited for Julian Nagelsmann to join the club next summer.
Speaking of RB Leipzig, what in the world, Red Bull. In a group with their feeder club Red Bull Salzburg, Celtic, and Rosenborg, Leipzig was unable to advance to the knockout rounds due to their inability to beat Rosenborg at home. Sure, the fact that they lost both games to Salzburg didn’t help, but everything set up for Leipzig to “win and their in” on the final matchday. They choked.
The two teams to advance to the knockouts, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, did it in rather impressive performances. Frankfurt won all six of their group games against Lazio, Limassol, and Marseille. Leverkusen topped their group as well.
The Bundesliga looks stronger in Europe so far this season, but we all know that nothing matters until the spring.
Here’s how the Bundesliga clubs have performed in Europe over the last three seasons.
2018-19
Champions League
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Schalke have qualified for the Round of 16.
Europa League
Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt have advanced to the Round of 32.
2017-18
Champions League
Bayern Munich were the only team to advance to the Round of 16.
Bayern would make it all the way to the Semifinals before being knocked out.
Europa League
No Bundesliga clubs advanced from the Europa League Group Stage. RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund dropped in from the Champions League Group Stage.
Dortmund were bounced in the Round of 16, and Leipzig made it to the Quarterfinals before losing.
2016-17
Champions League
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen all advanced out of the Group Stage in the Round of 16.
Leverkusen would be the first to leave, losing out in the Round of 16. Bayern and Dortmund would both bow out in the Quarterfinals.
Europa League
Schalke advanced out of the Group Stage of the Europa League into the Round of 32, while Borussia Mönchengladbach parachuted in from the Champions League Group Stage.
Gladbach were eliminated in the Round of 16, while Schalke advanced to the Quarterfinals before being knocked out.