Madrid, Bayern back in crisis as Champions League resumes

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich return to the Champions League on Tuesday in crisis mode after the latest setbacks in their domestic leagues.

Madrid, the three-time European defending champion, was humiliated 3-0 by Eibar in Spain on Saturday. The first defeat for new coach Santiago Solari renews debate over his team's ability to challenge for honors in its first season without Cristiano Ronaldo in nearly a decade.

Solari, who started with four wins after replacing the fired Julen Lopetegui, next faces a stern test at Roma.

Bayern, which appeared without a serious rival as it clocked up six consecutive Bundesliga titles, is suddenly vulnerable in Niko Kovac's first season in charge.

Bayern was held to a 3-3 draw at home by promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf - a relegation candidate - on Saturday, and is already well behind resurgent Borussia Dortmund. A seventh straight title is appearing increasingly unlikely.

Kovac has a point to prove when his team hosts Benfica, though a draw will be enough to ensure progress to the next round.

A look at the four Champions League groups on Tuesday: GROUP E
Bayern president Uli Hoeness, who previously said he would defend Kovac "to the hilt," appears to have changed his tune after saying Saturday that club officials would sit down after Benfica's visit to see "how things should continue."
GROUP F
GROUP G
GROUP H