Good evening everyone! The Champions League is back, and that's certainly a good reason to get excited. Tonight I'll be taking you through Shakhtar Donetsk's first-leg clash with Bayern Munich as the two sides look to steal the advantage in this last-16 tie.

Bayern are among the favourites to win this year's competition, and they're fully expected to book their place in the quarter-finals, but this is going to be a tricky couple of matches for Pep Guardiola's men. After suffering a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid last season, Guardiola will be desperate to lead his side to success in May.

Shakhtar showed in glimpses during the group stage what they are capable of, and they'll be confident of pushing Bayern to the limit tonight. Mircea Lucescu's side have not played a competitive fixture since December. Is that extended break a help or a hindrance?

As many of you will know, Shakhtar usually play their home games at the Donbass Arena, but the trouble in Ukraine over the past year has made it impossible for them to stay there. Lusescu's side are forced to welcome Bayern to the Arena Lviv, the home of Karpaty Lviv.

SHAKHTAR XI: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk, Fred, Fernando, Costa, Teixeira, Taison, Adriano

BAYERN XI: Neuer, Alonso, Ribéry, Robben, Rafinha, Boateng, Bernat, Götze, Müller, Alaba, Schweinsteiger

There's no surprises for Shakhtar as Luiz Adriano, who scored nine goals in the group stage, leads the line for the hosts after seeing a possible move to Roma collapse last month. His main support will arrive from Alex Teixeira and Taison as the Brazilian trio look to trouble this Bayern defence.

There's good news for Bayern as Xabi Alonso shakes off a hamstring problem to play and Frank Ribery returns to the starting lineup, but Mehdi Benatia misses out due to injury. Robert Lewandowski is left on the bench, while Arjen Robben, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller all start.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of this game, Lucescu has urged his sides to take full advantage of the chance to upset one of the favourites in the last 16.

"We will be heroes if we beat Bayern and qualify for the next stage," he told UEFA.com. "Our last competitive game was 10 weeks ago and also you know about the conditions we have been working in during this season."

A quick reminder that you can follow both of tonight's Champions League games with Sports Mole. Keep up with PSG vs. Chelsea while I focus on this match. It promises to be an intriguing night as the knockout stages gets underway.

Can Shakhtar stop Guardiola's well-oiled machine tonight? The performances were far from brilliant when Bayern returned from the winter break, but they've started to hit their form again, and warmed up for this game by thrashing Hamburger SV 8-0 on the weekend. This Bayern attack is a match for any defence, so Shakhtar will have to be wary of throwing to many players forward tonight.

Thomas Muller has admitted that it will be strange to play in a country which has experienced so many problems in the past year as Shakhtar continue to host teams over 600 miles away from their home in Donetsk.

"You know there is this terrible war out there, but you don't really realise it because you don't really know such a situation," the World Cup winner told reporters. "It's hard to grasp to be playing against a team that is based in a crisis area. It's a surreal situation."

Let's take a quick look at both benches ahead of kickoff, which is around 20 minutes away.

SHAKHTAR: Gladkiy, Wellington, Romero, Kanibolotskiy, Krivtsov, De Azevedo, Ilsinho
BAYERN: Reina, Starke - Dante, Lewandowski, Rode, Badstuber, Weiser

This is the first meeting between these two sides in the Champions League. Shakhtar have never managed to beat a German club in this competition. However, Bayern have often found it difficult in Ukraine, winning on just one of their last four trips to the country.

PREDICTION: Before tonight's match, shall we have a go at guessing the score? Shakhtar have shown in previous seasons that they are capable of beating anyone in this competition, but playing away from the intimidating Donbass Arena could be a factor. Bayern are favourites for a reason, and I'm backing them to pick up a crucial first-leg victory tonight. 2-0 to the Germans.

Where will this game be won and lost tonight? We know Bayern have the ability to change shape at the click of Guardiola's fingers, which makes it difficult for Shakhtar to adopt a specific plan. However, the hosts must be efficient going forward and take their chances. Pace could be the answer for the hosts, who have to get the ball to the likes of Douglas Costa, Teixeira and Taison when they launch counter-attacks.

Alberto Undiano Mallenco is in charge of the group of Spanish officials tonight. He was the man in charge when Bayern beat Manchester City with a last-minute winner back in September. Let's hope he doesn't steal the headlines tonight.

The players are out on the pitch in Lviv. The Champions League anthem has been played. Everyone looks ready, so let's get started.

Shakhtar will get the game underway...

Bayern look to get onto the front foot as early as possible. Rafinha wins the ball high up the pitch before hitting a tame effort which fails to cause a problem for Pyatov.

CHANCE! Bayern create a very good opportunity when Robben cuts in from the wing before chipping a clever ball into the path of Schweinsteiger. However, the captain can only volley wide while in space just inside the box.

Shakhtar's defence don't appear to eager to push up, and the front four of Costa, Taison, Teixeira and Adriano have been left to their own devices so far. Neither side have been able to retain possession for too long in the early stages.

Bayern move the ball around nicely on the edge of the box, but both Ribery and Bernat see their crosses cleared by the home defence. Schweinsteiger then wins a free kick for his side on the left wing.

Bayern work the free kick well as a low ball comes to the feet of Robben, but the Dutchman can't find the space to unleash his shot from 12 yards out. Good defending from the hosts.

Shakhtar have started pretty well, but they've wasted possession on a number of occasions and we've seen very little of their attacking players. Bayern are beginning to dictate the tempo of the game in midfield.

CHANCE! Superb work from Robben as he sprints with the ball from deep and shrugs off a couple of challenges before sliding a pass into the path of Muller, who can only drag his effort across the box from a tight angle. Kucher clears the danger in the six-yard box.

Bayern are putting the pressure on now. Rafinha chips a dangerous ball into the box and it almost falls for Gotze before Kucher clears once again.

It's looking a bit rushed from Shakhtar, who need to show more patience in possession. Bayern are up for the physical challenge tonight, and they break up an attack when Rafinha dispossesses Taison on the wing.

Fernando and Fred are fighting the urge to stray too far away from their defence as they look to frustrate the visitors. A late challenge from Kucher sees a few players clash off the ball, with Ribery in the middle of everything. No reaction from the referee as he splits up the two groups of players.

Good defending from Shakhtar as they block a number of crosses on the edge of their own box. Bernat picks up a loose ball in space, but he frustrates his teammates with an awful delivery. Shakhtar break with Srna, whose cross is too strong for Adriano.

Shakhtar have offered very little going forward in the first half. However, it's not been easy for Bayern and they'll have to improve in the final third if they are to break down this stubborn home defence.

YELLOW CARD! Guardiola will not be happy with Rafinha. Boateng fouls Adriano on the halfway line, but it's Rafinha who goes into the book for preventing the free kick from being taken and snatching the ball from the Shakhtar striker. What a silly way to pick up a caution.

YELLOW CARD! It's getting heated now. Alonso goes into the book for chopping down Costa as Shakhtar threatened to cause problems for the visiting defence. Boateng and Srna clash off the ball, with the latter appearing to drive his head into the Bayern defender. A lack of reaction means that there is no decision for the referee to make.

Rakitskiy unleashes the shot from a 25-yard free kick, but Neuer manages to collect at the second attempt and Bayern get back onto the front foot.

Better from the visitors as they step up the pace of their passing on the edge of the box and win a free kick when Ribery's cross is deflected behind. Alonso delivers the corner into an excellent position, but Pyatov comes off his line to collect.

Neither side are holding back in the challenge, and there's been a few clashes off the ball in the first half, with Gotze the latest to react angrily after being caught by Shevchuk.

CHANCE! Bayern probably should be ahead. Some good pressure high up the pitch allows the visitors to win possession on the edge of the box. Ribery controls a high ball impressively to pick out Muller, who can only fire over on the stretch after finding space inside the penalty area.

There's a break in play to allow Shevchuk to receive treatment after being caught on the head by Muller's boot as the Bayern forward looked to connect with an acrobatic effort. There's some blood, but it looks like he will try to continue.

Credit must go to Shakhtar so far. They're usually a very offense-minded side at home, but they've produced a disciplined display in the first half. Bayern have managed to create a couple of decent chances, though, and you'd expect them to keep asking questions.

YELLOW CARD! Ribery puts the ball through Srna's legs before being fouled by Douglas Costa. However, it's Srna who goes into the book for his reaction to what really was an easy decision for the referee. Bayern waste the free kick from the left wing as Pyatov collects once again.

It's something that shouldn't come as a surprise anymore, but Guardiola's side have been superb without the ball. On the rare occasion when Shakhtar have the ball further up the pitch, the visitors are working incredibly hard to win back possession. Taison finds some room on the wing, but he can't find a way past the Bayern defenders as his cross is cleared away by Boateng.

Great work from Bayern as Robben exchanges passes with Gotze before laying the ball off to Ribery, who sends the ball just over from the edge of the box.

Shakhtar are starting to show a bit more ambition in the final third, but crucially, Luiz Adriano has been very quiet for the hosts. Bayern continue to dominate possession ahead of the half-time interval.

It's been an intriguing first half in Lviv. As you may expect, Bayern have dominated possession and created the only clear chances, but Shakhtar have made it difficult for the visitors in the opening 45 minutes. It's been fiery at times, and we're set for a gripping second half. Can Bayern break down this stubborn defence?

Perhaps a bit surprisingly, Bayern have lacked a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch. They've created a couple of decent chances, with Muller missing twice from good positions. There's not much space on offer for the forwards, but Guardiola may think of introducing Lewandowski, who could hold the ball up a bit better to create chances for his teammates.

UPDATE: It's good news for Jose Mourinho in the French capital. Branislav Ivanovic headed home late in the first half to give Chelsea a potentially crucial 1-0 lead over PSG. That could be a huge result for the Premier League leaders.

It's been a decent performance from Shakhtar so far, but there's a long way to go in this game. Some may expect you to take more risks at home, but in truth, they can't really afford to concede an away goal tonight ahead of a trip to the Allianz Arena in the second leg. Lucescu will be happy to see his side operate on the break in the second half.

Bayern will get the game back underway in Lviv, where it is currently -7. Gloves are certainly useful on a night like this!

No changes for either side of the break. Bayern immediately start to dominate possession again as Shakhtar drop deep to defend.

Should Bayern have a penalty? The visitors work the ball well as Bernat picks out Ribery, who tees up Alonso. Douglas Costa comes in from behind with the tackle and he might just get a touch on the ball before the Spaniard. There's no appeals, but it was a risky challenge.

Better from Shakhtar as they show a bit more patience in possession to force Bayern to chase shadows for an extended spell. Shevchuk finds space further up the pitch to deliver the cross, but Boateng beats Adriano to the ball to make the clearance.

There's been some promising signs from Shakhtar early in the second half. Costa and Taison are seeing more of the ball, and they're looking more positive going forward. The hosts must be careful not to leave too much space for Bayern to counter.

Another incident causes problems for the referee as Ribery appears to kick out at Costa after being caught by Srna. There's guilty parties on both sides, but the Spanish official appears happy to get on with the game. Alonso misses his teammates with the free kick as Shakhtar survive another spell of pressure.

UPDATE: Edinson Cavani has found the net to give PSG an equaliser against Chelsea. It's now 1-1 in Paris. Can either team claim the win in the first leg?

YELLOW CARD! Douglas Costa needs to calm down. Just moments after clashing with Ribery the Brazilian throws his elbow into the Frenchman's face. Just a yellow card, decides the referee, but Bayern are not happy.

The match is being disrupted by regular fouls as both Alonso and Adriano go to ground after competing for a 50/50 in midfield. The free kick goes to Bayern, who are not looking as dangerous in possession at the moment.

The frustration is beginning to become clear for Bayern as Ribery fires a wild effort over from an impossible angle, despite already being flagged for offside. Guardiola will surely be thinking about sending on Lewandowski soon.

RED CARD! We've got a very interesting 25 minutes on our hands. Teixeira goes down very easily under a clumsy challenge from Alonso, who picks up a second yellow card to be dismissed on his 100th Champions League appearance. Can Shakhtar take advantage?

Ribery was pointing out to the referee that Douglas Costa should have been dismissed earlier, and perhaps he is right. Alonso has been living dangerously since picking up his first yellow, so it's difficult to feel sorry for the Spaniard. Guardiola's side have a big test on their hands, but we've seen them play very well with 10 men before.

Shakhtar will be boosted by that red, but they're struggling to take the ball from Bayern. The Bundesliga champions are remaining patient in possession.

SUBSTITUTION: Holger Badstuber is off the bench to replace Muller, who has struggled to make an impact since missing two chances in the first half. Badstuber will help plug the gap following Alonso's dismissal.

Shakhtar don't look capable of applying too much pressure on the 10 men of Bayern, and they really need to take this opportunity. It won't get any easier at the Allianz Arena. Bayern aren't at their best, but they still look comfortable.

SUBSTITUTION: Lewandowski is finally on for Bayern, and he replaces Gotze to give the visitors more of a physical presence in attack.

The game is starting to become very scrappy in midfield, which doesn't seem to be suiting either side. Ribery is dropping much deeper to get involved, but the visitors are struggling to find the space further up the pitch.

YELLOW CARD! Fred goes into the book for pulling back Ribery in midfield. Shakhtar then make their first change as Marlos comes on to replace Costa.

Guardiola can't help but laugh on the touchline as Ribery is fouled once again. Bayern continue to control the game, but they've been surprisingly poor in attacking areas. Boateng becomes the latest player to pick up a yellow card for a needless challenge on Taison.

Bayern aren't sure whether to stick or twist, and neither are Shakhtar. Both sides seem more eager to vent their frustrations as the foul count continues to rise.

Robben wants a penalty when his shot is blocked, but the referee is right to ignore the protests. Bayern keep the move alive, and Ribery is inches away from finding Lewandowski with an inviting cross.

SUBSTITUTION: Wellington Nem is off the bench for his Champions League debut as he replaces Taison.

YELLOW CARD! Shakhtar attempt to launch a break with Wellington when Bayern's corner is cleared, but Schweinsteiger trips the substitute to stop the move and pick up a booking.

There's been some space for Shakhtar to break late on, but the quality going forward has been poor, and Adriano has barely had a kick all night. Lucescu's side could regret not taking more of a risk in the first leg.

SUBSTITUTION: Adriano's night is over as Gladkiy comes off the bench to replace the Brazilian forward.

Excellent work from Fernando as he gets back to make a vital tackle on Robben after the Dutchman had found space in the box. Can either team find a late winner?

The fourth official confirms that there will be three minutes added on.

Ribery decides it's time for one more scuffle as he brings down Wellington with a cynical foul. Kucher confronts the Frenchman, but Srna steps in to calm things down.

It's all over in Lviv. Both sides are perhaps happy with this result. Bayern were dealt a blow when Alonso was sent off, but it never looked like they would lose this match. Despite picking up the draw, Shakhtar may feel that they should have done more after being handed the numerical advantage, but they still have a good chance ahead of the second leg on March 11.

That's all from me tonight, but make sure you keep an eye out for analysis and player ratings from this match. Goodnight everyone.