Bayer Leverkusen need to be ruthless to win at Atletico Madrid and edge closer to a direct spot in the Champions League last 16, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's clash.

The last-gasp victory sends Atletico third in the Champions League table, with the top eight sides all avoiding an extra knockout round.

Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz scored twice and set up another goal as he steered the German champions to a comfortable 3-1 victory over visiting Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday to stay four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen know they will need to be close to perfect to hunt down leaders Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga returns from a three-week winter break. Key stats 0 - With two 1-1 draws,

Leverkusen is currently in fourth place with four wins and a draw in six games. Atletico is on the outside of the top eight looking in, with 12 points. The winner of this game will gain a massive advantage over the rest of the field to qualify for the next round.

MUNICH, Germany — Florian Wirtz scored twice as Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1 on Saturday to stay four points behind leader Bayern Munich.

Florian Wirtz scored twice as Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1 on Saturday to stay four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Xabi Alonso has said he's "very calm" despite being linked to taking charge at Real Madrid, with speculation over the future of Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite Bayern Munich’s best efforts to lure Xabi Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer, the Spanish head coach made it clear that his future remained with the German

It's been a journey into the unknown, but the new-look Champions League is finally reaching the climax of the league phase. Here's what's needed to go through.