Bundesliga 2024/25: Everything you need to know about the new German football season

Bundesliga 2024-25 season: Everything you need to know about the new German football season

New Delhi: The 2023-24 Bundesliga season was one for the history books, with Bayer Leverkusen achieving an unbeaten campaign and breaking Bayern Munich’s 11-year title streak. It was a season full of surprises, with Leverkusen finishing a significant 18 points ahead of third-placed Bayern and 17 points clear of runners-up Stuttgart.

The Bundesliga 2024-25 season is set to be a thrilling journey filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the battle for the title, the fight for European spots, or the struggle to avoid relegation, every match will count. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, and with so much at stake, it promises to be another memorable campaign in German football.

As we prepare for the new season, Leverkusen are the team to beat, but Bayern Munich, now under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, are hungry to reclaim their throne. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also in the mix, ready to challenge for the top spot. With new managers, fresh signings, and two newly promoted clubs, the 2024-25 Bundesliga season promises to be as thrilling, if not more. The action kicks off on August 23, 2024, with Leverkusen travelling to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the season’s opening match.

Newly promoted clubs

THE BUNDESLIGA CLASS 💙🥳

📸- @Holstein_Kiel #KielAhoi pic.twitter.com/S41GqDE0nQ

— Holstein Kiel English (@HolsteinKielEN) August 23, 2024

This season sees two new faces in the Bundesliga: FC St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel. St. Pauli returns to the top flight after a 13-year absence, having clinched the Bundesliga 2 title last season. Their return is eagerly anticipated by their passionate fanbase, who have waited a long time to see their team back among Germany’s elite. Holstein Kiel, on the other hand, is making their debut in the Bundesliga. They secured second place in Bundesliga 2 and will be eager to make an impact in their inaugural season. Both teams face a tough challenge ahead, but their promotion adds fresh excitement to the league.

Relegated clubs

As St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel celebrate their promotion, FC Cologne and SV Darmstadt bid farewell to the Bundesliga. Cologne’s relegation was a shock to many, given their strong performances in recent years. However, a series of poor results towards the end of the season saw them slip into the bottom two, sealing their fate. Darmstadt, who struggled throughout the campaign, couldn’t escape the drop despite a valiant effort in the final weeks. These relegations mark a new chapter for both clubs as they regroup and aim for a swift return to the top flight.

What to expect?

The 2024-25 Bundesliga season is shaping up to be highly competitive. Leverkusen will be looking to defend their title, but they’ll face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, who have strengthened their squad and brought in Vincent Kompany as head coach. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also expected to be in the mix, with both clubs making significant moves in the transfer market. Dortmund, now under Nuri Sahin’s leadership, have added key players like Pascal Gross and Waldemar Anton. Leipzig, despite losing Dani Olmo, retained a strong core, including Xavi Simons, who remains on loan from PSG. With these teams ready to compete, the title race is expected to be closely contested, and fans can look forward to plenty of drama and excitement.

What is the Bundesliga 2024/25 format?

The Bundesliga follows a round-robin format, with 18 teams competing across 34 matchdays. Each team plays 17 home and 17 away games, ensuring a balanced and fair competition. The league runs from August 23, 2024, to May 17, 2025, with the team that accumulates the most points crowned as the champion. The bottom two teams at the end of the season are relegated to Bundesliga 2, while the 16th-placed team enters a relegation playoff against the third-placed team from Bundesliga 2. This format guarantees excitement throughout the season, with every match holding significance in the race for the title, European qualification, and survival.

Where to watch in India?

Fans in India can catch all the Bundesliga 2024-25 action live on the Sony Sports Network. The matches will be broadcast on the Sony Ten channels, ensuring extensive coverage of the season. For those who prefer to stream the games, the SonyLiv app and website offer live streaming options. With a paid subscription, fans can enjoy watching the matches in real-time, ensuring they don’t miss any of the action from Germany’s top-flight football competition.

Best transfers of the summer window

The summer transfer window has seen several high-profile moves that could significantly impact the Bundesliga season. Bayern Munich have bolstered their squad with the signings of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and Joao Palhinha from Fulham. Palhinha, in particular, is expected to be a key player for Bayern, bringing stability and strength to their midfield. Leverkusen, meanwhile, have added French winger Martin Terrier to their ranks, further enhancing their attacking options. Borussia Dortmund have been busy as well, bringing in Serhou Guirassy, who scored 28 goals in 28 games for Stuttgart last season. RB Leipzig, despite losing Dani Olmo, managed to retain Xavi Simons on loan, keeping their midfield creative and dynamic. These transfers could play a crucial role in shaping the title race and the fortunes of the respective clubs.

 Bayer Leverkusen aim to defend their title, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig eager to challenge.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today