Champions League rules leave teams chasing a moving target in the Bundesliga

DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — How many teams qualify for the Champions League from the Bundesliga?

Definitely four. Probably five. Possibly six.

Bayern Munich’s and Borussia Dortmund’s heroics in reaching the Champions League semifinals mean the fight for European qualification in Germany is complex, ever changing and could leave teams relying on their rivals to succeed.

It’s like chasing a moving target for clubs such as Dortmund, Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg. They may not know which competition they’re in until two weeks after the Bundesliga season wraps up on May 18.

There are some potentially strange outcomes, too. Currently seventh ahead of playing Frankfurt on Friday, Augsburg could qualify for the Champions League, the Europa League, the Conference League or no competition at all. Lowly Kaiserslautern could play the Europa League from the third division next season.