VfB Stuttgart against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday has been dubbed the €20 million game in German media as the pair battle it out for the fourth and final Champions League spot in the Bundesliga.
It was confirmed on Thursday that fifth place in Spain not Germany would receive a Champions League berth alongside England via UEFA coefficients.
That means fifth-placed Stuttgart and Leverkusen are in a fight for the fourth spot currently occupied by the Werkself on goal difference. Hoffenheim, in sixth, are also level on points with the duo ahead of the final two matchdays of the season.
Champions Bayern Munich and second-placed Borussia Dortmund are already assured of Champions League qualification while RB Leipzig, in third, only need a win at home to relegation-threatened St Pauli on Saturday to guarantee their passage.
Freiburg could take a fifth spot for Germany in Europe's top club competition if they win the Europa League final, but for now the focus is all on the game in Stuttgart.
"There's a huge amount at stake against Leverkusen and everyone in the stadium knows that," Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness told reporters.
"The key thing for the game will be what are we prepared to give? We might have to go above and beyond."
Defeat for either side could be especially bad if Hoffenheim, who drew 3-3 with Stuttgart last weekend, also win at home to struggling Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen beat Leipzig 4-1 last time out and are in good form.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand said: "We've had a great week and we're going into the game with a lot of anticipation. We're approaching the match with a real zip."
There has been media speculation that even Champions League qualification might not save the Dane's job after Leverkusen finished first and second in the previous two campaigns under Xabi Alonso.
