Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen visited Simeone's Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night - The Athletic was watching both men

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.

Leverkusen is currently fourth at the UEFA's competition League, a privileged position that would save them the knockout phase play-off. Atlético is eleventh, and if they win today, they would have good chances to qualify in the top 8.

The two standout German teams from last season are on opposite trajectories as the pressure mounts in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Bayer Leverkusen welcomes Mainz 05 to the BayArena for what promises to be a thrilling Bundesliga encounter. Both teams have hit impressive patches of form, ensuring a match that will demand attention from start to finish.

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.

Xabi Alonso could make up to five changes to his Bayer Leverkusen side ahead of their Champions League against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night.Lukas Hradecky, Arthur,

Victor Boniface is still not fully fit, with Xabi Alonso acknowledging the Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Monchengladbach game has come a bit too early for the striker

Bayer Leverkusen saw their run of 11 straight UEFA Champions League wins ended 2-1 by Atletico Madrid on Monday. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Pablo Barrios was sent off in the first half, Atletico capitalised on a second-half change of pace to secure victory and move into the top three in the group.

TBR Football have also been told Chelsea watched Hincapie star for Bayer Leverkusen in a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win against AC Milan back in October. The man born in Esmeraldas can play at left-back or centre-back like Veiga, with Chelsea highly appreciative of his versatility.