Eight points separate Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga standings ahead of Saturday's match and manager Xabi Alonso said his side were braced for a tough outing as they look to close the gap to leaders Bayern Munich.

The Madrid and German matchups were not possible in the old Champions League format where teams from the same country could not face each other in the round of 16. The new tennis-

Bayer Leverkusen cut Bayern Munich's lead back down to five points with an important 2-0 away victory vs Kiel.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich travel to VfB Stuttgart on Friday hoping for a perfect dress rehearsal ahead of next week's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

Patrik Schick showed Bayer Leverkusen what it was missing against Bayern Munich last week by scoring in a 2-0 win at Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Schick, who was omitted by Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso in the top-of-the-table clash with Bayern,

Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen eased past struggling Holstein Kiel 2-0 with a goal and an assist from Amine Adli in the Bundesliga on Saturday to close the gap on leaders Bayern Munich to five points.

From title rivals to champions league rivals as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.

Six writers from The Athletic analyse the draw for the Champions League last-16 ties and the road to Munich in May

The Champions League last-16 draw threw up some mouth-watering matches with holders Real Madrid playing local rivals Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

Bundesliga contenders Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen could be forgiven for thinking of their Champions League date before they fulfill challenging domestic obligations this weekend.

Xabi Alonso is braced for a tough outing as Bayer Leverkusen travels to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, but said his side will approach the game at "full throttle."