Germany are second in the UEFA yearly ranking on 7.285 points, with England on 7.944 and Spain just behind on 7.250. That gap is small enough that the race for an extra Champions League place is still live, but Germany have put themselves in a strong position after another positive week in Europe.
Bundesliga clubs driving the climb
Germany's rise has been built by results that keep adding up in different competitions. Bayer Leverkusen are spotless in the Europa League, with 9 points from 3 games, while 7th-placed VfB Stuttgart remain unbeaten in the Champions League and have taken 7 points from 3 matches.
1899 Hoffenheim added another lift with their first Europa League success, a 3-0 win against Lyon. That is the sort of result that helps keep Germany ahead of the pack, even if the margin over Spain is tight.
The debate over whether the extra place is already effectively secured misses how close the table still is. England are still ahead, Spain are within 0.035 points of Germany, and the yearly ranking can change again quickly if the results swing the other way.
The key fact for Germany is simple enough: they are second now, and the Bundesliga's European start has them on course for the extra Champions League berth. The position can still move, but the next round of matches will be played with Germany in front of Spain and within touching distance of England.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
