Bayer Leverkusen are taking the belief gained from finishing in the top eight of the Champions League standings into the latter stages of their Bundesliga title defence.

Bayern Munich took a small but potentially decisive step toward the Bundesliga title last weekend when defending champion Bayer Leverkusen dropped points at Leipzig.

We use our Champions League projections to work out where the drama will be located on the final night of the league stage

Manchester City snuck their way into the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday, avoiding elimination on a dramatic final day of the competition's first-ever league phase. Pep Guardiola's side entered halftime with a 1-0 deficit to Club Brugge but three goals after halftime ensured they would clinch a spot in the top 24 and participate in the knockout round playoffs with a 3-1 win.

Bayer LeverkusenStarting as if they were the home side, Bayer Leverkusen were in complete control of the encounter's opening stage at in Madrid. However, as matches so often do at

Manchester City nearly crashed out, but came from behind in the second half, and in the end, all European giants reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

A goal in each half sent Bayer Leverkusen into the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday with a comfortable 2-0 win over a toothless Sparta Prague side unable to offer much resistance to the German champions.

LONDON — Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa

Ousmane Dembele's hat-trick helps Paris St-Germain into the Champions League play-offs as they thrash Stuttgart, a result that eliminates the Germans.

Young England striker wants more playing time ahead of this summer’s European Under-21 Championship and is keen for switch to the Bundesliga

Saturday’s clash between RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen promises fireworks at the Red Bull Arena. Both teams have displayed their fair share of thrilling football this season, setting up an enticing Bundesliga showdown.

How do you follow all 18 games on 'Matchday Mayhem'? Come up with a running order and watch a bit of every one in turn, of course