Anyone who had the impression that the Europa League group stages would be a breeze for Atletico Madrid was made to think again after los Colchoneros travelled back from Greece on the back of a 1-0 defeat a fortnight ago. Defeated by Aris, there is now a very real need for the Primera Division club to earn a positive result against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday if they are to maintain hopes of defending the title they won against Fulham last season.
Los Rojiblancos started the campaign in terrific form, getting the better of Inter in the European Super Cup and then beginning La Liga with a blast. The Aris loss rather halted the momentum of Quique Sanchez Flores’ side, who would then lose the following Sunday against Barcelona. They have since mounted a recovery of sorts, earning a fine point away to Valencia and then defeating Zaragoza 1-0 at home, but already their European lives are starting to disappear.
“We suffered an unexpected setback in Greece, but tomorrow we will go all out for the victory,” president Enrique Cerezo told the press. “The Germans are not going to give anything away. They are a complicated team, who have scored eight goals in their last two matches, and will certainly be very dangerous to us. Atletico Madrid are the defending champions, though, and so we have to prove it.”
Meanwhile, Raul Garcia also lamented the loss against Aris when previewing the forthcoming tie. “The truth is that if we had won in Aris, we would not have the obligation to win, but now we must get the first victory,” he explained to the media.
Last season’s successful tilt was characterised by strong away form on Atleti’s part, but it’s at the Vicente Calderon they now need to shine.
In Spain To Win
Atletico might have started their Europa League campaign with a distinct stumble, but that certainly wasn’t the case with Bayer Leverkusen, who hit their stride immediately in the competition, smashing the challenge of Norwegian outfit Rosenborg 4-0. Patrick Helmes was the undoubted star of that encounter, striking a fine hat-trick.
Helmes’ efforts rather sparked a goal glut for die Werkself, who have moved themselves up to fifth in the Bundesliga, aided by some solid away form that has seen them claim two victories and one draw on their travels. Coach Jupp Heynckes hope his side’s unbeaten run continues in the Spanish capital, though he has specifically targeted maximum points.
“We’ve come to Madrid to win. My team has the technical abilities to make the running,” he explained to the media, before warning of los Colchoneros’ ability. “The team is well organised, plays creatively and defends well. Things weren’t always like that for Atletico.”
Boasting a team of players in rich goal scoring form, Bayer will certainly travel to Spain with genuine hope of deepening Atleti’s European woes, though the Germans must be careful to balance an attacking approach with strong defence as their hosts have some pretty handy players in front of goal themselves.
TEAM NEWS
Atletico
Key central defender Diego Godin picked up a knee injury at the weekend that will keep him out for the best part of a month. Diego Costa also acquired a slight issue, but he’s expected to be involved on Thursday.
Coach Quique Sanchez Flores is likely to implement a rotational system in his side, with Sergio Aguero potentially in line to start after playing a reduced role of late due to injury. Flores said on Thursday afternoon that he was unsure whether the Argentine would start or not.
Bayer
The quality rather than the quantity of Bayer Leverkusen’s injuries could pose coach Jupp Heynckes problems. Michael Ballack is just about to start his rehabilitation from a tibia fracture, while Stefan Kiessling and Gonzalo Castro are out too.
Prediction
This should be an exciting all-action affair as neither Atletico nor Bayer are especially noted for their defensive capabilities. There can be little doubt that los Colchoneros have tightened up their rearguard significantly since last term, but their German foes have been strong on the road this season. A high scoring affair is in order, though the guests will be the happier side if things end all square.
Atletico Madrid 2-2 Leverkusen 
