UEFA Champions League Preview: Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16 for the first time. The two teams have already met three times this season, with Leverkusen remaining unbeaten, including a win over Bayern in the DFB-Pokal. Bayern are leading the Bundesliga by eight points and have an unbeaten run of nine matches across all competitions, but their performance in the playoffs against Celtic was shaky.

Bayern have a strong record in last-16 home games, but Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, will be a tough challenge. Alonso's team is unbeaten in eight matches, although their away form in Europe has been weaker. Leverkusen is focusing on the Champions League and Pokal, as they aim to overcome Bayern and progress in the competition.

Starting XI
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Kim, Upamecano, Davies; Palhinha, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Aleix Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Schick, Wirtz.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen