The goal scored in the 95th minute by Tiago Thomas for Stuttgart's 3:3 draw against Hoffenheim, in the 32nd round of the Bundesliga, could be decisive in the competition between these two teams for a place in the Champions League.
That goal and that point allowed Stuttgart to move ahead of Hoffenheim in the German Bundesliga table. In the 33rd, penultimate round, both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim scored victories.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeStuttgart is fourth with 61 points and a goal difference of +22, while Hoffenheim is fifth with 61 points and a goal difference of +17. Fourth place leads to the Champions League. Fifth to the Europa League. And this difference is very large, among other things because of finances.
The final round of German top-flight matches are on Saturday. Bayern have already secured the title. Borussia Dortmund will finish second, while RB Leipzig third. The race for fourth place remains wide open.
Besides Stuttgart and Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen, which is sixth with 58 points, is also hoping.
In the final round, Eintracht Frankfurt hosts Stuttgart, Borussia Monchengladbach hosts Hoffenheim, and Bayer Leverkusen plays at home to Hamburg.
In Kosovo, Hoffenheim's position is being closely watched. This team features three of Kosovo's key players: midfielder Leon Avdullahu, defender Albian Hajdari and striker Fisnik Asllani.
All three are important to both Kosovo and Hoffenheim.
There are several scenarios that send Hoffenheim to fourth place. If both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim win, goal difference will decide, which is in Stuttgart's favor.
If Hoffenheim wins and Stuttgart does not win in the last round, then Hoffenheim will appear in the Champions League next season. Another scenario is for Hoffenheim to draw, but on condition that Stuttgart is defeated.
Leverkusen's chances of finishing fourth are slimmer. For this, Leverkusen needs to win, while Stuttgart and Hoffenheim lose their last round matches.
All final round matches are on Saturday from 15:30 PM.
Hoffenheim's opponent, Borussia Monchengladbach, is in 13th place with 35 points and is not in danger of relegation.
