Defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have only lost once in the league so far this season, so how come they're six points behind leaders Bayern Munich?

Bayern are 15th in the standings after seven matches, one point below eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, and are guaranteed a place in the last 16 as they prepare to face a Bratislava side who have lost

With 18 games kicking off at the same time on Wednesday, The Athletic writers explain which one they are most looking forward to - and why

Atlético de Madrid are unbeaten in their last 10 home games against German sides in the UEFA Champions League (W7 D3), while Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to become the first German team to win away to them in the competition since Borussia Dortmund in October 1996 (1-0).

Which teams are in the hunt for automatic qualification for the last 16? Who's on the brink of elimination? What about the playoffs?

Find out who is missing through injury and who is in a race against time to prove their fitness in the next round of the UEFA Champions League.

The change to the Champions League format wasn't made with the goal of improving the quality of the group stage. Sure, organizers will say it was done to increase drama, add stakes to every match, generate a touch of desperation and craft an explosive competitive environment that has delivered at every turn.

Paris Saint-Germain need just one point to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League and face Stuttgart on Wednesday.

Indeed, only two goals have been scored in the UEFA Champions League this term following ... Álex Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.

The first season of the league phase has been a rousing success with almost every Matchday 8 with something at stake

Bayer Leverkusen's hopes of qualifying directly for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 hinge on the result of their final game of the league phase against Sparta Prague on Wednesday (kick-off: 9pm CET).