The DFL scheduled Bundesliga matchdays 21-25 earlier today. In order to support the German competitors in the 2015/16 Europa League as much as possible, the league association have decided to hold four matches on the Sunday of matchday 23 (26th-28th February), instead of the usual two. UEFA decree that all Europa League fixtures take place on Thursday and these games can result in long journeys and minimal regeneration time.

"Europa League results are hugely important as they have an impact on the Bundesliga’s UEFA coefficient, which is linked to the fourth Champions League spot. Consequently, it’s in our best interests to support the teams competing in the tournament as much as possible,” said DFL Secretary General Christian Seifert: “We’d like to thank our media partners for their understanding.”

Seven games on 2nd March

The four Sunday meetings will be split as follows: One each at 15:30 CET and 19:30 CET as well as two at 17:30 CET. The additional fixtures means that the structure of matchday 24 – a rare midweek matchday in the Bundesliga – has been altered. Only two games will take place on the Tuesday (1st March), with the remaining seven taking place on the second day. This will therefore also influence matchday 25 – the Friday game will not take place and will be replaced by a sixth game on the Saturday.

BVB vs. Bayern in the primetime slot

Matchday 25 sees the top two of the Bundesliga go head-to-head in Signal-Iduna Park. Borussia Dortmund host FC Bayern München on 5th March 2016 at 18:30 CET.

The next set of fixtures is due to be scheduled in the week beginning 29th February 2016, but this does depend on the situation facing German sides in the Europa League.