How many games in Bundesliga season?

Bundesliga, the German national football championship, is one of the most attractive football tournaments in the world. With the participation of top clubs and world-class players, Bundesliga is not only a sports arena but also a place where historical moments, top tactics, and the spirit of German football converge. One of the frequently asked questions by fans is: How many games in Bundesliga season? This answer not only reflects the structure of the tournament but also shows the methodical organization of German football. Let’s learn more with Premiumsoccertips through the following article!

Learn about the Bundesliga

The Bundesliga was founded in 1963 with the aim of providing a professional and attractive playground for top football clubs in Germany. Since then, the tournament has become a symbol of German football with the participation of 18 teams each season. This number of teams is smaller than other top leagues such as the Premier League (20 teams) or Serie A (20 teams). However, this does not reduce the appeal of the Bundesliga, on the contrary, it makes the matches more intense and competitive.

Each team will compete with the remaining 17 teams in the tournament. What is special is that the teams will meet each other twice, once at home and once away, creating a balance and fairness in the match schedule.

First and second leg

The Bundesliga is divided into two stages:

First leg (Hinrunde): Lasts from August to December every year. This is the time when teams try to build momentum for the season and build long-term strategies.
Return leg (Rückrunde): Starts in January and ends in May of the following year. This is the decisive stage with matches of a vital nature, especially in the race for the championship, winning tickets to the European Cup, or staying in the league.

With each stage consisting of 17 rounds, the total number of matches for a team in the whole season is 34 matches (17 home matches and 17 away matches).

When was the Bundesliga founded?

The Bundesliga was officially founded in 1963, with the inaugural champions being FC Köln, who won the cup in 1964. Since then, the league has undergone many changes, including the number of teams, the relegation rules and the eligibility for teams to enter European competitions.

Although the Bundesliga has not always been considered as competitive as some of Europe’s top leagues, Bayern Munich have established a remarkable dominance. Thanks to their strong sponsorship, they have not only dominated domestically but have also regularly competed at the international level.

How a Bundesliga season is organised

The Bundesliga season runs from August to May, with the off-season from June to July.

Like many other European domestic leagues, the Bundesliga season consists of each team playing two matches against all the other teams each year. With 18 teams participating, there are a total of 34 matches per season.

Each team plays every other team once away and once at home. At the end of the season, the team that finishes top of the table is crowned champions, with the criteria for ranking being goal difference, total goals scored and head-to-head record, in order of priority.

Other matches in the year

Bundesliga teams do not play just 34 matches in a season. The top teams can play more matches thanks to their participation in various international competitions and cups. The main goal of any club in Europe is to qualify for the Champions League. To do this, they need to finish the Bundesliga season with excellent results. Since at least the 2023-24 season, the Bundesliga has always been in the top four of the UEFA club coefficient, which means that the top four teams automatically qualify for the following season’s Champions League.

In addition, there is a chance for a fifth Bundesliga team to qualify for the Champions League. The winners of the Champions League and Europa League are guaranteed a place in the prestigious tournament, even if they finish outside the top four domestically. The fifth and sixth placed teams in the Bundesliga automatically qualify for the following season’s Europa League. Additionally, the DFB Cup winners also qualify for the Europa League, unless they have already qualified for the Champions League.

Finally, there are a number of other leagues and cups held throughout the year that attract attention at a local level. These competitions have varying levels of interest, and teams may allow less-active players to showcase their talents in low-profile matches. Sometimes these are friendlies, especially for teams with big budgets.

Bundesliga relegation system

The Bundesliga relegation process is different to many other leagues. A special play-off is held to decide whether the 16th-placed team in the Bundesliga retains their place, playing against the third-placed team from Bundesliga 2.

The play-off is played over two legs, with the overall winner qualifying for the Bundesliga the following season. The aim is to complete this round within 10 days of the end of the regular season, adding to the excitement and drama as teams try to maintain or gain promotion.

In addition, the 17th and 18th-placed teams in the Bundesliga are automatically relegated to Bundesliga 2, while the top two teams in Bundesliga 2 are promoted directly to the top flight. Although there have been proposals to expand the play-offs, there is currently only one match to decide the final place.

Which team is considered the strongest in the Bundesliga?

In recent years, Bayern Munich has been considered the most dominant team in the Bundesliga. Not only are they a strong candidate for the national championship title every season, but they have also affirmed their position in international tournaments.

The team has appeared in the Champions League final 11 times and brought home 6 prestigious titles. Their financial strength and high-quality squad have helped Bayern become one of the biggest forces in world football.

However, the history of the Bundesliga does not revolve around Bayern Munich. Borussia Dortmund is the most consistent team outside Bayern, with many championships and second-place finishes. In particular, they were the last team to break Bayern’s dominance, winning the Bundesliga title in the 2011–12 season.

In addition, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen are also notable clubs, each of which has won at least 4 Bundesliga titles. Although many teams have created historic moments, maintaining long-term success in this tournament remains a huge challenge.

Conclusion

With a total of 306 matches per season, the Bundesliga is a testament to the balance between science and entertainment in football. From the fiery matches to the sharp tactics of the teams, the Bundesliga brings fans unforgettable moments. Whether you are a fan of German football or simply want to enjoy the top matches, the Bundesliga is always an option not to be missed. Just look at the quantity and quality of the matches, you will understand why this tournament is considered the pride of German football and one of the most attractive tournaments on the planet.