Champions League scores: Live updates as Liverpool, Barcelona, Leverkusen chase top spots in league phase

The UEFA Champions League returns for the first time in the new year on Tuesday, when the focus will be on the race for the top eight berths as the first edition of the league phase nears its conclusion.

Liverpool and Barcelona are already guaranteed spots in the knockout rounds, but if results go their way on Matchday 7, they may be able to ensure a straight passageway to the round of 16. The Reds, who have a perfect six wins out of six in Champions League play this season, will face Lille, a surprise member of the top eight heading into Matchday 7, while Barcelona travel to 15th place Benfica with a chance to go six games unbeaten across all competitions.

Another match to watch on Tuesday will take place in Madrid, when 11th place Atletico Madrid host fourth-ranked Bayer Leverkusen. Both sides have overcome some inconsistency earlier in the season to be title contenders in their domestic leagues and will no doubt also target an impressive run in Europe’s top club competition.

Prepare for Tuesday’s games with coverage across CBS Sports, and follow along for live updates once the games begin.

Tuesday’s schedule

All times Eastern

• Monaco vs. Aston Villa, 12:45 p.m. (Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network)
• Atalanta vs. Sturm Graz, 12:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Atletico Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Benfica vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Crvena Zvezda vs. PSV, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Liverpool vs. Lille, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Club Brugge vs. Juventus, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Slovan Bratislava vs. Stuttgart, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)
• Bologna vs. Borussia Dortmund, 3 p.m. (CBS Sports Network, Paramount+)

Must-reads for Matchday 7