Bayer Leverkusen will be hoping to get a positive result when they host Barcelona at the BayArena in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Last 16 knockout stages Having emerged from a group consisting of Chelsea and Valencia, you could almost hear the groans of frustrations when Bayer Leverkusen were drawn the shortest [.

After a two month absence the Champions League returns the week with the first batch of round of 16 first legs. Here is a look at the four games slated for this week:

Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona
Josep Guardiola's side may be struggling to keep pace with Real Madrid in La Liga but at first glance they should present a tough task for Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen v FC Barcelona Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds Champions League 14 February 2012 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Defending champions FC Barcelona begin the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a first leg against German side Bayer Leverkusen. The match will take place at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 FC Barcelona Recap & Match Stats Champions League 14 February 2012 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

FC Barcelona defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 FC Barcelona Recap

Barcelona cruised to a win in the first leg at the BayArena.

A double from Alexis Sanchez and a goal from Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie at the BayArena. Still smarting from a surprise 3-2 defeat to Osasuna at the weekend, the European Cup holders came out with intent and purpose and [.

Alexis brace leads Barcelona to victory against Bayer (Photo: JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Image)

Barcelona all but assured their passage to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 road victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.

Guardiola's road warriors have returned, as the Catalans picked up their first away win in four matches, cruising past their German hosts in dominant fashion thanks to a brace from Alexis Sanchez and a clincher from Leo Messi.

Yes, there are two more 2nd leg Round of 16 matches today, but unlike yesterday's Super Tuesday matches, we probably won't tune in for either of today's two matches. But if you must, check here & here for your local listings for today's fixtures:

More » Barcelona 20:45 Leverkusen Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR) – Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona (ESP) More » APOEL 20:45 Lyon Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (ESP) – Stadium: GSP Stadium, Nicosia (CYP)

Why not?

Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia has been appointed interim manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, following the sacking of Robin Dutt on Sunday.
Dutt's departure comes after less than a season in command at the BayArena and with Leverkusen facing the prospect of missing out on European competition next season.