This clash of Spain against Germany pits together two sides who aren’t quite the best in their nations, and who often aren’t given quite the credit they’re due. Make no mistake, though: Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid are both very, very good sides, capable of ruining the day of just about any club they meet.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid, Champions League 2015: Team news, time and TV schedule
It’s a clash of opposites, of all-out attack against defense at all costs. Which style can come out the victor?
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The fascinating aspect of this match is just how opposite the two clubs are. Roger Scmidt’s Leverkusen side rely on a lightning-fast attack that can create a whole mess of issues for any defense trying to stop them -- but if any defense can do it, it might just be the Rojiblanco wall put up by Diego Simeone’s Atletico squad. The tactical scenarios and matchups are fascinating to consider, and watching this match unfold will be a treat who enjoy the complexities of the beautiful game.
Key player - Stefan Kießling (Bayer Leverkusen)
Kießling may not be the goalscoring threat he once was -- indeed, Leverkusen mostly lean on Karim Bellarabi and Son Heung-Min for their scoring these days. But Kießling’s work up top helps Leverkusen’s attack operate as it should. His physical presence and ability to play in his fellow attackers is immense, and if Atleti take their defensive concentration off him to focus on the quicker wide attackers, Kießling still has more than enough ability to punish them for it.
Key Matchup - Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkusen) vs. Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
In an attack filled with talent and danger, Son might just be the most potent of the lot. The Korean is quick, skillful with the ball, and surprisingly tough for his side. That’s a tough package for any side to defend against, and Atleti fullback Juanfran will have his hands full trying to keep Son from cutting inside and wreaking havoc. If he can pull it off, it will make life much easier for the rest of Atleti’s defense.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Robbie Kruse (ankle), Omer Toprak (suspended) In doubt: Lars Bender (knee), Tin Jedvaj (hamstring)
Atletico Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Koke (hamstring) In doubt: Arda Turan (leg), Gimenez (ill)
Two of the players guaranteed to be out are major blows to their sides. Koke is the beating heart of Atletico’s midfield, and Toprak is a key part of Leverkusen’s defense. The players in question will create just as much issue for their sides if they can’t go, particularly Bender if his knee injury continues to slow him down and render him less effective.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sport 1/HD (Germany), C+ Liga de Campeones/HD (Spain), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2GO (U.S.), Sky GO Deutschland (Germany), Sky GO (U.K.)
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