Hello everyone. The Champions League is back! We are just one step away from the drama of the group stage and the playoff round kicks off this evening. At the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio return to the competition and host Bayer Leverkusen tonight. Follow all the action with me!

It just seems right that Lazio are back in the Champions League, doesn't it? A blend of experience and promising youngsters carried Stefano Pioli's side to third in Serie A last season. As the likes of AC Milan and Inter Milan continue to struggle, Lazio have progressed quickly in the last couple of years but they are now under huge pressure to reach the group stage.

Leverkusen enter the competition with the aim of proving that they can produce surprises in Europe once again. They've been knocked out in the last-16 in each of the previous two campaigns, but after falling to fourth in the Bundesliga last season, Roger Schmidt's side face a tricky test if they are to have a chance of reaching that stage once again. Two evenly matched sides facing off over 180 minutes. It could be a thrilling couple of games.

Despite returning to Europe's elite club competition, Lazio are simply unable to compete for players in the way they used to back in the glory days. Ricardo Kishna is the only player to have cost the club anything this summer. If they do reach the group stage, they will be huge underdogs. They haven't qualified for that stage since the 2007/08 campaign.

Miroslav Klose scored v Leverkusen for Kaiserslautern, Bremen & Bayern. Will he continue the trend with Lazio? #UCL pic.twitter.com/LKjhatALoO — Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 18, 2015

I mentioned the changes to the Lazio squad this summer, but there are some fresh faces for Leverkusen, who started the new Bundesliga campaign with a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim at the weekend. Josip Drmic and Gonzalo Castro were the high-profile departures earlier this summer but the arrivals of Admir Mehmedi and Charles Aranguiz represents good business from the club.

LAZIO: Berisha, Basta, de Vrij, Mauricio, Lulic, Onazi, Biglia, Parolo, Candreva, Klose, Felipe Anderson

BAYER LEVERKUSEN: Leno, Hilbert, Tah, Papadopoulos, Wendell, Bender, Kramer, Bellarabi, Son, Calhanoglu, Kiessling

As expected, veteran striker Miroslav Klose starts in attack for the hosts. The 37-year-old will be supported by Felipe Anderson and Antonio Candreva in attack, while Argentina international Lucas Biglia is included in Pioli's midfield.

It's an attacking lineup from Schmidt, with Karim Bellarabi, Son Heung-min and Hakan Calhanoglu trusted to be the creative source for the visitors, who will be led by Stefan Kiessling. Christoph Kramer, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, starts alongside Lars Bender in midfield. Mehmedi, Aranguiz and exciting teenager Julian Brandt are on the bench.

Check out the benches for both sides below.

LAZIO SUBS: Cataldi, Guerrieri, Kishna, Keita, Milinkovic-Savic, Konko, Gentiletti

LEVERKUSEN SUBS: Donati, Ramalho, Kresic, Mehmedi, Brandt, Kruse, Aranguiz

One player not in action tonight is Ravel Morrison, who is absent due to a knee injury. The Manchester United academy graduate was praised for a fine performance in pre-season for his latest club. Can he finally deliver on his obvious potential?

© Getty Images

Behind the scenes at @OfficialSSLazio #UCL pic.twitter.com/7WE0CFkVWH — Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 18, 2015

PREVIOUS MEETINGS: These two sides were both in the same group back in the 1999/2000 season, and there was nothing to separate them. Pavel Nedved and Elf Kirsten were on the scoresheet in the first match, before Oliver Neuville and Sinisa Mihajlovic in the return fixture as both matches finished 1-1. Those are four names to take you on a trip down memory lane!

A quick reminder that you can also follow live text coverage of the Champions League clash between Manchester United and Club Brugge.

Klose makes his 40th Champions League appearance tonight and first since leaving Bayern Munich in 2011. He has scored 14 goals in his previous 39 games in the competition.

© Getty Images

STAT: Lazio are unbeaten in their last four matches against Champions League opposition, winning three of those games. Their least defeat to a Bundesliga side was the 2-1 loss to Werder Bremen in the Champions League eight years ago.

KEY PLAYER: Despite their obvious strength, it would not be a surprise if Leverkusen favoured a counter-attacking approach tonight and the starting XI certainly suits that tactic. Karim Bellarabi's performance will be vital. He has the pace and trickery to punish the hosts if he is given space, and he will be trusted to link up with Kiessling on a regular basis.

The pre-match ritual of releasing the eagle has just taken place at the Stadio Olimpico, which means kickoff is not too far away. After improving last season, can this be the year their passionate fans are treated to success once again?

PREDICTION: Leverkusen head into this tie as favourites and they certainly deserve that label. However, this is certainly going to be a tight match between two sides desperate to reach the next round. It could be a cagey opening and the first goal will be crucial. I'm going for a 1-1 draw.

The players are out on the pitch. Just the anthem and the handshakes before arguably the most intriguing tie of this round can get underway.

KICKOFF: It's Leverkusen who get the game underway. The Stadio Olimpico might not be full, but the Lazio fans are as loud as ever.

From the early signs, it looks like there is not going to be much time for either side to relax in midfield. Plenty of tackles flying in during the opening few minutes.

Leverkusen are first to apply some pressure as a deep cross encourages Kiessling to challenge Berisha, who is fortunate to see the ball cleared away after he fumbles the catch.

Klose drops slightly deeper to collect the ball and he shows a nice turn of pace to invite the foul from Papadopoulos 30 yards from goal. Not bad for a 37-year-old!

Despite having plenty of teammates to aim for, Candreva attempts a speculative effort which is cleared easily. Lazio keep the pressure on and a loose ball drops to Lulic, who fires a deflected shot over from just inside the box.

Almost half of the stadium is empty, but the noise is quite incredible from the Lazio fans as Leverkusen survive an extended spell of pressure. It's been a bright start to the match.

Kiessling doesn't look very happy. Leverkusen win a free kick close to the halfway line but Kramer sends the ball out of play with a hopeful pass out to Bellarabi on the right.

Lazio win another free kick and there's certainly some hesitancy at the back as Wendell miscues a header behind with Klose lurking in the six-yard box.

Poor from Candreva, who dodges a couple of challenges on a clever run but he picks the wrong pass when he looks to find Felipe Anderson after the Brazilian had drifted into an off-side position.

Kiessling hasn't seen much of the ball, but he drops deeper to link up with Wendell before unleashing an effort which is deflected behind. Set-piece specialist Calhanoglu's corner is pushed away unconvincingly by Berisha.

In truth, it's been quite a scrappy game in midfield but both sides are doing a good job of pressing when they lose possession. Leverkusen need to get Calhanoglu on the ball more often, while Felipe Anderson has barely been involved at the other end.

YELLOW CARD! A high ball is there to be won on the edge of the Lazio box, but Kiessling is harshly booked for catching Biglia in the face while attempting to bring it down. Poor decision from the referee.

CHANCE! First moment of magic from Bellarabi. The Germany international switches wings to collect the ball on the left side of the box, before flooring Batsa with a clever piece of skill and firing over the crossbar. He should have hit the target after creating space.

Berisha has not looked convincing at all in the first half. A long ball forward catches Lazio napping and Son looks to be through on goal until Mauricio recovers to clear the danger as his goalkeeper comes out and misses the ball.

OFF THE POST! Leverkusen are starting to get on top. The ball drops to Bender, who unleashes a stunning strike to hit the post with Berisha standing no chance of getting his hand to the effort.

OFF THE POST! Incredible drama in the Italin capital. Just moments after surviving Bender's strike, Lazio break with Anderson, who takes on a couple of players before producing an inch-perfect through ball. Klose is clean through and beats Leno to the ball, but he can only hit the post after taking it slightly too wide.

Leverkusen send all the big men forward for a free kick and Wendell lands the ball in the perfect spot, but Berisha manages to come off his line to collect easily.

Wendell gives away a corner when he miscues a pass back to from the halfway line, but it's a waste from Biglia as he fails to clear the first corner with the cross. It's been an easy game to watch so far. The first goal could be vital.

Leno has picked up a booking and it looks like it may have been something he said to the referee. Papadopoulos is very fortunate not to join him in the book when he stops Felipe Anderson with a blatant foul on the right wing.

YELLOW CARD! Wendell fancies his chances of winning the ball in midfield, but he's very late with the challenge on Onzai. The defender certainly deserved the booking which followed.

Hilbert has been taking his time with throw-ins and the Lazio supporters are not pleased. Neither is the referee, who gives the full-back a warning. Both sides are struggling to keep the ball late in the first half.

Concern for the visitors when Kiessling goes down holding his ankle. It looks like he may have fallen awkwardly and he's in a lot of pain on the touchline.

Jonathan Tah is just 19, but he is having a quite brilliant game in the Leverkusen defence. He's done a great job on Klose so far. Kiessling is back on the pitch.

It's been frantic and scrappy at times, but that is down to Leverkusen's defensive display. They've not given Lazio time on the ball and the frustration from the home fans is clear.

Pioli, the Lazio players and the home supporters are furious! Wendell catches Felipe Anderson with a late tackle on the wing. You don't want to see players being sent off, but he can count himself lucky after picking up a booking earlier on.

CLOSE! What an effort Calhanoglu. Lazio lose the ball in midfield and they are almost punished when the Turkish attacking midfielder attempts to beat Berisha with an audacious strike from the halfway line. It's only just wide. I don't think Berisha was getting there.

There has been some flashes of brilliance at the Stadio Olimpico, but neither side have been unable to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes. Leverkusen have probably looked slightly more dangerous in possession. Lazio have had their moments, too, but they have struggled to provide the right service for Klose.

BENCH WATCH: Kiessling appeared to shake off that twist of the ankle, so Schmidt will be hoping that he does not have to remove the striker. Julian Brandt could be the man to provide that extra piece of quality in the final third of the pitch for the visitors. His vision in attacking areas is brilliant and he also has an eye for goal. Ricardo Kishna is the main attacking threat on the Lazio bench.

It remains goalless between @OfficialSSLazio and @bayer04fussball. Who'll break the deadlock? #UCL pic.twitter.com/ghnHx2peAm

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 18, 2015

So, as Memphis Depay lights up Old Trafford, who will be the star in the Italian capital? As expected, it's a tight game. Felipe Anderson was linked with Manchester United earlier this summer and the Brazilian really needs to stamp his authority on this game in the second half.

SUBS: Both managers have decided to make changes as the break. Mehmedi is off the bench as a replacement for Son, who struggled to get involved in the first half. Klose is also off as Pioli sends on Keita Balde Diao.

Both of those changes at the interval may have been due to injuries. Removing Klose at the interval certainly seems a strange move. However, Keita is involved immediately as he sprints clear of the Leverkusen defence but Tah does superbly well again as he tracks back to block the substitute's effort.

YELLOW CARD! Buy the lottery Mauricio, because you are the luckiest man in the Italian capital tonight. He charges into Bellarabi with a very high boot and the Leverkusen players are not happy. He may not have been able to argue with a red card.

SUBSTITUTION! Lazio make their second change of the evening as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic replaces Onazi. I think Pioli is slightly concerned that his side are losing the midfield battle early in the second half.

Lulic is certainly one of the more aggressive players on the pitch, but Bellarabi refuses to back down when the pair clash while fighting for the ball close to the touchline. The referee decides to keep the cards in his pocket this time.

Much better from the visitors. Leverkusen step up the tempo in the final third of the pitch as Bellarabi creates space on the right before delivering a low cross which is just too strong for Kiessling, who then misses while attempting to get his head on the next delivery sent into the Lazio box.

Excellent from Bellarabi as he creates space with a lovely piece of skill in midfield. Hilbert then wins a corner on the right. Lazio are inviting the pressure. They have struggled to retain possession since the break.

Wendell is forward for an attack and he collects a poor clearance from De Vrij, before winning a free kick after being caught by Parolo. Calhanoglu will fancy his chances from the edge of the box.

SAVE! Calhanoglu is one of the most accurate players from free kicks in European football. He goes for power from the edge of the box, but Berisha punches the ball away confidently.

CHANCE! Lazio really should take the lead as a glorious chance falls to the hosts against the run of play. Papadopoulos is guilty of making the mistake when he sends the ball into the path of Keita, who can only fire over while under pressure from Tah 10 yards out.

CLOSE! Mehmedi has not seen much of the ball since coming on at the break, but he produces a moment of brilliance by cutting inside from the left before firing just wide of the far post. Excellent work from the substitute.

SAVE! Leverkusen are still knocking on the door. I mentioned Calhanoglu's quality from set-pieces, and he almost breaks the deadlock with a 40-yard free kick which Berisha pushes just wide of the post.

Lazio are starting to gift space to Leverkusen in dangerous areas. Mehmedi releases Kiessling on the right side of the box, but he chooses to pass rather than shoot and a promising move breaks down.

Oh dear. It is time for some drama at the Stadio Olimpico. Bellarabi pulls the ball back and Calhanoglu unleashes an effort which hits Kiessling on the way in. Kiessling is beyond the goalkeeper, but he looks to be at least level with the two defenders who were looking to block the effort on the line. Leverkusen are denied. I don't thin Schmidt will be a happy man on the touchline.

CHANCE! Tah makes his first mistake of the night and Leverkusen almost pay the price. Felipe Anderson finds Keita, who is denied by a combination of Leno and Wendell. That is certainly a let-off for the visitors.

It is turning into a very exciting second half in Rome. Kramer plays a superb through ball to find Mehmdei, whose poor touch prevents him from shooting. Leverkusen keep the move alive, before Milinkovic-Savic somehow manages to dive across to block Kramer's volley

Lazio make the breakthrough! Just as Leverkusen looked to be dominating the match, an awful mistake from Papadopoulos gifts possession to Keita. There is still a lot of work to do, but the substitute takes on Tah by running at pace before finding the yard of space he needs to slot the ball past Leno. It is an excellent goal from the young forward. Can Leverkusen level the tie late on?

Leverkusen have certainly been the better team since the break, and Kiessling wanted a penalty moments before the goal when the ball appeared to strike Biglia on the arm when the two players came together inside the box. It probably would have been a harsh penalty.

YELLOW CARD! Papadopoulos is in trouble again, but he's a lucky man, too. The impressive Keita is too strong for the Greek defender, who pulls down the striker on the edge of the box. Keita is arguing that he would have been through on goal, but it looked like Leno was in a position to clear.

SUB! Calhanoglu's night is over as Schmidt sends on Brandt for the closing stages.

YELLOW CARD! Milinkovic-Savic picks up a booking for arguing with the referee after De Vrij clashes heads with kiessling in the air. There was certainly no intent from the Leverkusen defender, but De Vrij looks in some trouble as the medical staff put him on the stretcher. Hopefully it's not too serious.

SUB! Lazio make their third change after the delay as Santiago Gentiletti replaces the injured De Vrij.

Lazio are looking to double their advantage late on as Candreva holds up the ball before finding Keita, who selfishly opts to send a weak effort straight at Leno after ignoring Felipe Anderson to his right.

The fourth official confirms there will be five minutes added on. A Leverkusen goal would completely change the look of this tie ahead of the second leg.

CHANCE! A couple of selfish moments could come back to haunt Lazio. It's 3-on-3 for the hosts when they launch the counter attack. Candreva is screaming for the ball in space on the left side of the box, but Felipe Anderson chooses to cut inside and fire a shot straight at Leno.

SUB! Robbie Kruse is off the bench with just over a minute to go as Kiessling's night comes to an end.

Keita's fine goal is the difference tonight as Lazio claim the advantage in the tie, but there is still so much to play for ahead of the second leg at the BayArena. Leverkusen were perhaps unlucky to see a goal disallowed while they were dominating. A piece of real quality hands Lazio the victory this evening.

That is all from or live coverage this evening, but make sure you keep an eye out for analysis and ratings. Goodnight everyone.