Bayer Leverkusen is struggling to reach the high standards it set for itself last season. Xabi Alonso’s team has already dropped points in five of its nine Bundesliga games, while Tuesday’s 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League was already its second defeat of the season.

European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City both suffered big defeats in the Champions League on Tuesday. Defending champion Madrid was humbled 3-1 at home by AC Milan, while Erling Haaland missed a penalty and City squandered a fourth-minute lead as it lost 4-1 at Sporting Lisbon,