It will be only the third-ever meeting between the two sides which has previously not produced a winner, yet last season’s Champions League runners up will be backing themselves to progress at the Germans’ expense.
Leverkusen
An impressive start to the domestic season has been followed by a slight slump for Bayer Leverkusen, who have won just once in their last six encounters and find themselves in the sixth place in the German standings. An entertaining 5-4 loss to Wolfsburg two weeks ago was followed by a 2-2 draw with Augsburg over the weekend, with the Germans’ defensive unit needing to up their game.
They were a little better in the group stages of the Champions League however, conceding just four as they finished second in Group C to secure their passage into the Last 16.
Leverkusen will be without suspended defender Ömer Toprak and injured Australian forward Robbie Kruse for the first leg clash against their Spanish counterparts, while Lars Bender and defender Tin Jedvaj are doubts through injury.
Coach’s comments:
“Atlético have a good team, they were in the final last season. For years they have played at a consistent level. It is very hard to play against Atlético, but we are confident of a good performance.” - Roger Schmidt
Atletico
Atletico have won five of their last six League matches, including an impressive 4-0 humbling of crosstown rivals Real Madrid, yet remain third in the La Liga standings, seven points behind their more illustrious neighbours.
The 2013/14 losing finalists were impressive in the group stages, scoring 14 goals and winning four of their six matches as they topped a difficult group ahead of Italian giants Juventus.
Diego Simeone has only one injury concern, with Koke missing the trip to Germany with a hamstring injury.
Coach’s comments:
“It's a huge match for us. We want to keep control of the game and also keep possession of the ball. But we have to be careful. If we're in possession, Leverkusen will apply a lot of pressure to get the ball back.” – Diego Simeone
Match facts:
- The two sides have met just twice before, in the group stages of the Europa League back in 2010, with both the home and away legs ending 1-1.
- Atlético are aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the seventh time, and have lost just one of their last nine away games in the competition since September 2013.
- Against Spanish opposition at home, Leverkusen have won six of their 14 encounters, losing five and drawing three.
- Atletico have played 15 matches in Germany, winning five, drawing three and losing seven.
Kick-off at the BayArena is set for 21:45.