Bayern, Leverkusen in Tricky Tie

With the Bundesliga title decided, the focus is on slots for the Champions League and the struggle against relegation.

Bayern Munich secured its 25th title last weekend but it can still play a role in the allocation of Champions League slots.

The Bavarians travel to Bayer Leverkusen, one of the teams seeking a direct place in the elite competition. Leverkusen cannot drop lower than fourth, but that means a potentially tricky qualifying round.

With four matches to play, Leverkusen is two points behind Borussia Moenchengladbach and six behind second-place Wolfsburg. The top three teams qualify directly.

However, Bayern’s minds will be on next week’s trip to Barcelona for the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.

Pep Guardiola’s team is also trying to put behind a dramatic semifinal exit in the German Cup, two days after securing the championship. Bayern lost the title when four of its penalty takers failed to score in the shootout against Borussia Dortmund.