Bundesliga

Germany's top flight since 1963, played by 18 clubs, with Bayern Munich the dominant force and most successful club on 34 titles.

The Bundesliga is Germany's top football division, founded in 1963 when the country's regional leagues were unified into a single national competition. Eighteen clubs play a 34-match double round-robin season, with the champion lifting the Meisterschale, one of football's most recognisable trophies. The league is known for high average attendances, affordable ticket prices and the fan-ownership principles embedded in German football through the 50+1 rule, which together give German match days a distinctive atmosphere. Bayern Munich has been the dominant force for much of the competition's modern history, with Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach among the clubs that have challenged for or won the title. Fixtures such as Der Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and the Revierderby between Dortmund and Schalke, are among the most heated in the sport. The Bundesliga is also recognised for its emphasis on developing young talent and attacking football, with some of the highest goals-per-game averages among Europe's major leagues. The top four teams qualify for the Champions League, with further European places available, while the bottom two are relegated and the third-from-bottom side enters a relegation play-off. Fans following live scores and standings can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring competition.