Bayer Leverkusen's hopes of qualifying directly for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 hinge on the result of their final game of the league phase against Sparta Prague on Wednesday (kick-off: 9pm CET).

Letna Stadium forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ UEFA Champions League clash between Sparta Prague and Inter. Spirits are conflicting in this Wednesday-held European fixture, with the visitors pursuing three points to consolidate their chances in a nail-biting top-eight race.

Goal! Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2, Sparta Prague 0. Nathan Tella (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal following a set piece situation. Attempt saved. Álex Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.

Bayer Leverkusen secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a routine victory over Sparta Prague at the BayArena.

The UEFA Champions League league phase concludes on Wednesday, Jan. 29 with all 36 clubs playing at the same time.

The Bundesliga champions spent much of the contest camped inside their opponents' half but were unable to add to their advantage before the interval

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa. Monaco or Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica (for the right to play Liverpool or Barcelona)

With just over an hour to go until kick-off, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has announced his starting eleven to take on a plucky Sparta Prague side. The team from the Czechia capital are

Closing in on automatic qualification for the last 16, Inter Milan will resume their Champions League campaign on Wednesday, when they visit struggling Sparta Prague. Inter's 13 points from six games puts them on track to avoid the playoffs, while Sparta's modest tally of four leaves them in the elimination places.

The UEFA Champions League heads into the final matchday of its league phase, with the fates of many sides still undecided - including Manchester City.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 22: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, celebrates after winning the Serie A TIM title during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Letna Stadium forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ UEFA Champions League clash between Sparta Prague and Inter. Spirits are conflicting in this Wednesday-held European fixture, with the