In an exciting turn of events, either Heidenheim or Lautern will be heading to Europe next season despite their differing histories in German football. Heidenheim, who finished 8th in the Bundesliga this season, could potentially secure a spot in European competition come summer. The club with just a 15,000 capacity stadium has made remarkable progress since moving up from the lower divisions.
For Heidenheim to secure a spot in the Europa League playoffs, their fate hinges on the outcomes of the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, as well as the DFB-Pokal final between Bayer Leverkusen and 1. FC Kaiserslautern. If Dortmund and Leverkusen emerge victorious, it could open the door for Heidenheim to make their European debut, showcasing the team’s rapid rise in German football.
On the other hand, if Leverkusen fails to win the cup final, the Europa League spot could go to Kaiserslautern, who recently secured their place in the 2. Bundesliga for another season. Despite the uncertainties surrounding these outcomes, the potential for either Heidenheim or Lautern to compete in European competitions adds an extra layer of anticipation to the German football landscape.