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?

Sergio Conceicao's AC Milan are facing Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday and need a win to secure a spot in the top eight of the table, but they can also hope for a draw but then will need to wait for the other results of the games.

Simone Inzaghi's Inter have a big chance on Matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League against Monaco as a win or a draw can secure the Nerazzurri a spot in the top eight, meaning they won't have to play the playoffs next month.

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).

Atletico Madrid are staying laser-focused on earning a top-eight Champions League finish in their last league-phase game at RB Salzburg, coach Diego Simeone said on Tuesday.

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.

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.

Leverkusen broke through in first-half stoppage time, Nordi Mukiele lofting a cross for Hincapie to head past Atletico goalie Jan Oblak. In the second-half, the early control evaporated as both sides played end-to-end, with Atletico using the chaos to equalise.

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

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