Bayer Leverkusen welcomed Atletico Madrid to Germany on Wednesday for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.
Both teams had chances in an open first period, but the score remained level at the interval.
Leverkusen made the breakthrough just before the hour, however, when Hakan Calhanoglu fired home from inside the box.
Atletico were reduced to 10 men for the final 15 minutes when Tiago was handed his marching orders, but the home side could not score a second despite some good opportunities.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Germany as Bayer Leverkusen welcome Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their last-16 clash. Atletico will enter the tie as the favourites, but Leverkusen have history in this competition – reaching the final in 2002.
Without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
TEAMS
LEVERKUSEN: Leno; Hilbert, Spahic, Papadopoulos, Wendell; Bellerabi, Castro, Bender, Hakan; Son, Drmic
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Gabi, Tiago, Saul; Turan, Mandzukic, Griezmann
So there we have it. The home side are without the services of Omer Toprak through suspension, while Robbie Kruse is out injured. There are no real surprises in the XI, however, with Heung-Min Son selected in attack alongside Josip Drmic. German international Karim Bellerabi also starts.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, is able to call upon Arda Turan despite suggestions that the Turkish international would miss out with a heavy bruise. Saul Niguez is perhaps the surprise starter in midfield due to Koke's ongoing absence, while Gabi and Tiago are also in the XI tonight.
Both of these sides have a strong standing in the European game, but they have only met twice before in their history. Those matches occurred in the group stages of the 2010-11 Europa League, with both games ending 1-1. However, it would be fair to say that much has changed at both clubs since then.
Leverkusen reached 2002 Champions League final, but they have never won a match at the last-16 stage of this competition, with their final appearance occurring when the second group stage was still in use. Since then, they have fallen three times at this stage – losing to Liverpool in 2005, Barcelona in 2012 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2014. Can they make it fourth time lucky this season?
That said, Leverkusen have won three of their last four home fixtures in the Champions League – including victories over Benfica and Zenit St Petersburg in the group stages this season. Their progress to this stage of the competition was secured by finishing second to French outfit Monaco in Group C. They won three of their six matches, drawing once and losing twice to qualify with 10 points.
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Leverkusen's home record against Spanish opposition is fairly mixed, however, winning six, drawing three and losing five of their 14 matches. The German outfit have also lost their last four European two-legged ties with Spanish opposition. In fact, not since the 1988 UEFA Cup final against Espanyol have Leverkusen overcome a La Liga team in a two-legged match. Will that change this term?
Leverkusen's Bundesliga form has also been fairly mixed this season, with 33 points from 22 matches leaving them in sixth spot in the table. They are just two points off fourth-place Schalke 04, however, who lost to Real Madrid in Germany last week. The atmosphere is really starting to build here...
Leverkusen's recent form has also been disappointing – winning just one of their last six games in all competitions. They will enter the match off the back of a 2-2 draw at Augsburg at the weekend, who are still above them in the German table. You just get the feeling that Leverkusen need to secure a positive result this evening if they are to stand a chance in the second leg next month.
Atletico, meanwhile, are bidding to reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the seventh time in their history. They remarkably and indeed surprisingly reached the final last season after overcoming both Barcelona and Chelsea in the knockout stages, but lost out to fierce rivals Real Madrid in the final. They came so, so close, but it was Los Blancos that triumphed in extra-time.
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Atletico will be considered by many as the favourites to progress against Leverkusen and the statistics are certainly in their favour that is for certain. The Spanish side have won their last five two-legged ties against German opposition – remaining unbeaten since the 1979-80 UEFA Cup first round, when they lost to Dynamo Dresden. Anyone remember that? No I am too young as well.
Atletico's recent away record in the Champions League is also very strong – winning five and losing just one of their last nine on the road. Atletico's away record to German opposition, meanwhile, is won five, drawn three and lost seven. Another victory this evening would place them in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Madrid, but a score draw would also favour Atletico in the return match.
In terms of their progression to this stage, Atletico finished top of Group A ahead of Juventus. The Spanish outfit lost their first match of the group away to Olympiacos, but won four of their next five to top the section on 13 points – scoring 14 times in the process and conceding just three.
Atletico will also enter the match full of confidence following a 3-0 win over Almeria in La Liga on Saturday. They had the points wrapped up at the interval and could therefore rest players in the second period. The victory kept Atleti third – three points behind second-place Barcelona and seven behind leaders Real Madrid. They are still in the race, but it will be very difficult to retain the title.
Atletico's recent form in general has been a little patchy, however, despite some strong wins. They have lost two of their last five in all competitions – at home to Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and away to Celta Vigo in the league. Their away form has been a little patchy in La Liga – losing four of their 11 matches this season. Little under 15 minutes until kickoff this evening.
Gleich geht's los! It's about time... #B04Atleti #ucl pic.twitter.com/eK8NLBPm6j
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) February 25, 2015
PREDICTION! I fancy Atletico to win and also keep a clean sheet here. It might not be the best game for long spells, but I just think that the visitors will have a little bit too much. Griezmann and Mandzukic are both in fine form and could really trouble the home side. For me, Atletico to win 2-0.
Just a reminder that there is another Champions League last-16 first leg taking place this evening, with Arsenal welcoming Monaco. Be sure to stay around Sports Mole for all the latest from both games!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. There is nothing quite like a Champions League night.
Leverkusen probably have to win this evening if they are to stand a chance in the second leg, but Atletico are such tough opposition. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes underway tonight.
Around 700 Atletico supporters are inside the stadium tonight and those in red and white are making their voices heard in the early moments. Leverkusen are set up to attack here and that has been the case since kickoff. You just get the feeling that the first goal in the tie could be so important.
Plenty of bite in midfield at the moment, but the referee is allowing the play to flow, which is good news for the game. Not too much to report in terms of chances early on, but Leverkusen have been on the front foot. Bellarabi will be their main threat tonight, with the German up against Siqueira.
"La-la-la-la - Leverkusen!" appears to be the tune from the home supporters and it is quite catchy. Atletico have just managed to gain some control in midfield in the last couple of minutes here.
CHANCE! First sight of goal for Leverkusen as the home side break with pace, but Bender finishes the move with a low strike wide of the post. The skipper might have fed Bellarabi there.
Griezmann has just started to pick up the ball in dangerous areas, with the Frenchman drawing a foul from the lively Bellarabi. The resulting free kick is delivered by Gabi, but Spahic heads clear. Eventually Saul strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is headed wide by Griezmann. Half-chance there.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments following a couple of late challenges from both teams. The tempo continues to rise with each passing minute.
OFF-THE-LINE! A poor pass from Griezmann puts Atletico in trouble, but Saul is on the cover to clear a cross from Bellarabi. The resulting corner is delivered by Hakan, but eventually Mandzukic clears Wendell's scruffy effort off-the-line. Nervous moment for the away side there!
The home side have had the better moments in the opening 15 minutes, but the score remains level. Nothing much from Atletico thus far, with Griezmann and Mandzukic not really involved.
More nervy moments in the Atletico defence, as Drmic wins the first header and the away side make a meal of the clearance. There is no question that Leverkusen have been the better team thus far.
Leverkusen have defended very well in the opening 19 minutes, with the home side again forcing a mistake from Atletico in the final third. The stadium erupts as another strong challenge occurs and Leverkusen advance down the left with Wendell. Good stuff from the German side thus far here.
Is there a better centre-back in the world than Diego Godin? Not for me. He is miles ahead. Sporting a plaster over his broken nose, the defender has been aerially dominant in the opening 21 minutes. Atletico are just enjoying their best spell of possession, but nothing much in terms of chances.
Leverkusen again threaten on the counter, with Bellarabi's pace causing problems, but Siqueira is cross to make a vital clearance. The home side have broken very well when given the chance tonight.
BOOKING! Tiago (Atletico) is booked for attempting to stop the previous counter attack.
Saul Niguez looks in trouble here as he hits the ground and stays there following a heavy landing.
Saul should be fit to continue, but it looks to be a back injury for the midfielder. So, 25 minutes on the clock in Germany and we are still waiting for the first major chance. Leverkusen have shaded it.
CROSSBAR! Leverkusen come close to opening the scoring as Spahic finds a pocket of space outside the box before letting one go, but his effort crashes against the crossbar. Unlucky!
The home side have another half-chance as Castro attempts to curl one into the corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Leverkusen remain on top with 27 minutes on the clock.
Moya is again called into action to palm clear a dangerous cross from Hilbert. Griezmann carries the ball forward for Atletico, but the Frenchman is brought to the ground by Leverkusen skipper Castro.
Leverkusen remain on top as Hilbert delivers another dangerous cross from the right, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. Bellarabi is down the same side moments later, but this time Saul is across to make the challenge. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Germany.
Atletico have been really disappointing in the final third tonight, with their set-piece delivery also well short of their usual standard. Griezmann and Mandzukic have both struggled, while Turan has seen little of the ball. It would be just like Atletico to go and win this match 1-0 or 2-0 though.
It is getting a little bit heated on both benches, with a late challenge on Gabi bringing a strong reaction from Simeone and his assistant Burgos. Not sure I would be picking a fight with the latter, who is an absolute man mountain. There is still a good atmosphere in the stadium despite a lack of chances.
BOOKING! Papadopoulos (Leverkusen) is booked for dissent.
Atletico are preparing to introduce Jesus Gamez here...
SUB! Atletico indeed make the change as Gamez replaces the injured Siqueira.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as a cross from Turan is deflected into the air and Griezmann looks favourite to head home, but Leno comes from nowhere to palm clear. Good goalkeeping!
Atletico have certainly come more into the game in the last 10 minutes or so, with Leverkusen struggling for possession in the final third. Still goalless as we approach the interval here.
SUB! Another Atletico change as Raul Garcia replaces Saul, who has been unable to overcome a back injury that he picked up earlier in the match. Two enforced changes for the visitors already.
Very well-balanced here as we approach the half-time interval.
Leverkusen want a penalty as Wendell goes to ground inside the box under a challenge from Juanfran, but the referee is not interested. It was an excellent tackle from the Atletico right-back.
The resulting corner flashes across the Atletico six-yard box, but there is not a touch. Chance!
Half-chance for Atletico down the other end as Mandzukic finds a yard of space inside the box, but his effort is blocked for a corner. End-to-end football in the latter stages of the first period.
SAVE! World-class save from Leno as the Leverkusen goalkeeper keeps out Tiago, who struck a half-volley towards the bottom corner. That is goalkeeping of the very highest order!
HALF-TIME: Leverkusen 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Leverkusen were on top for the opening 35 minutes or so and had opportunities to open the scoring, but Atletico certainly ended the half on the front foot. No goals, but it has been entertaining thus far.
STATS! Leverkusen have dominated the possession with 62%, while they have had six attempts, but thus far failed to hit the target. Spahic came closest, however, with the centre-back rattling the crossbar with a stoke from outside the box. Atletico, meanwhile, registered their first attempt on target through Tiago late in the half. There have also been two yellow cards - one for each team.
BENCH WATCH! Leverkusen boss Schmidt has a number of attacking options on his bench this evening, but Kiessling is the one that stands out and it would not be a surprise to see the striker in the second period. Atletico, meanwhile, have already been forced into two changes, with Garcia and Gamez replacing the injured Saul and Siqueira. Fernando Torres, however, is still in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a goal in this first leg? I still fancy Atletico to nick this. Right, the visitors resume the action in Germany.
No changes from either manager at the break, which is not too surprising at this stage. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so.
Atletico have the chance to threaten from a set piece as Spahic fells Mandzukic in a wide area. Gabi delivers, but Leno comes to collect. More good goalkeeping from the strong young German.
I backed Atletico to win this before the match and I still think that will be the case. Leverkusen have started the second period on the front foot, but Atletico have so much experience in these games.
Garcia tries his luck for the away side just inside the centre circle, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Leno was off his line, but it would have needed to be some strike! Still goalless, but both teams are committing numbers in the final third as the tempo continues to rise here.
Some news from the other match tonight - Monaco have gone 2-0 ahead at Arsenal thanks to Berbatov. Massive surprise that is, but hey this is the Champions League! Still no goals here.
Half-chance for Atletico as Gamez finds the head of Garcia inside the Leverkusen box, but Leno is on hand to make a comfortable save. Still no movement on the Levekrusen bench, but I suspect that changes will occur over the next 10 minutes or so. We are in need of some inspiration here.
GOAL! Leverkusen 1-0 Atletico (Hakan)
First blood to Leverkusen! The home side take the lead just before the hour as Hakan fires one into the back of the net following excellent work from Bellarabi. Not sure about the Atletico defending there.
BOOKING! Wendell (Leverkusen) is booked for a late challenge on Turan.
End-to-end football in the last minute or two. First, Atletico have a penalty appeal turned down, before Leverkusen break with pace once again. The move comes to an end, however, when Son handles.
BOOKING! Godin (Atletico) is booked for a high challenge on Bender. That is the Atletico centre-back out of the second leg next month. What a big blow for the Spanish champions!
The home side want more goals here as they continue to commit numbers in the final third. It is a difficult period for Atletico, who have been well short of their best tonight that is for certain.
BOOKING! Bender (Leverkusen) is booked for dissent.
SUB! Atletico make their third change as Torres replaces Turan.
It is a bit of a risk from Simeone to make all three changes with still 25 minutes remaining. However, something needed to be altered for the visitors. Leverkusen continue to look the team most likely to add to the scoring. A clean sheet for Leverkusen would be massive tonight that is for certain.
SUB! Leverkusen make their first change as Bender is replaced by Rolfes.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Leverkusen continue to look the most likely to add to the scoring here. Atletico just have not offered anything in attack for long spells. Their away form in the league has been fairly poor this season and therefore this is not too much of a surprise.
Torres has not had much of an impact since entering, with the Spaniard chasing shadows in attack. At 1-0 Leverkusen, the tie is still very well-balanced, but one more tonight could swing it either way.
Hakan stands over a free kick outside the box before attempting to beat Moya, but it is a fairly comfortable save for the Atletico goalkeeper. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining here.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Torres to level as the ball falls for the Spaniard inside the box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Leverkusen are down the other end moments later with a quick counter, but Drmic pokes his effort straight at Moya. End-to-end football in Germany.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Torres heads home from close range after a corner from Griezmann, but the referee disallows the goal - suggesting that the corner swerved out of play. That is a massive decision. It looked to be a perfectly good goal. Atletico have the right to be furious here!
RED CARD! TIAGO!
Atletico are reduced to 10 men as Tiago picks up his second yellow card for a rash challenge on Bellarabi. Easy decision for the referee, with the midfielder flying into the tackle there.
The home side threaten once again following a mix-up inside the Atletico box, but Moya eventually gathers. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Leverkusen want a second goal here.
SUB! Leverkusen make their second change as Kiessling replaces Drmic.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but the home side remain in control of the possession. At this stage, with 10 men, Atletico would surely take a 1-0 defeat.
Leverkusen continue to pass and probe in the final third, with Atletico sitting in and absorbing the pressure. You just get the feeling that there might be one more big chance in this match.
In tonight's other last-16 match, Monaco are still winning 2-0 at Arsenal. Incredible.
SUB! Leverkusen make their third change as Hakan is replaced by Brandt.
BOOKING! Castro (Leverkusen) is booked following a clash between both sets of players. Some handbags flying around that is for certain. All a bit silly to be honest!
BOOKINGS! Kiessling (Leverkusen) and Torres (Atletico) are also booked.
Half-chance for Atletico, but Garcia's header from a Gabi free kick is high of the crossbar.
We are into the first of three added minutes here.
Arsenal have pulled one back at home to Monaco, with the French side now just 2-1 ahead.
BOOKING! Gamez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Bellarabi.
Possession for Leverkusen in the final seconds here.
FULL-TIME: Leverkusen 1-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close, with Leverkusen running out 1-0 winners on the night over 10-man Atletico. Monaco, meanwhile, have won 3-1 at Arsenal in tonight's other last-16 clash. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
