There’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that Atlético Madrid’s season is on the verge of falling apart. Another draw in league play has dropped them nine points back of Barcelona in La Liga, so their chances of repeating as champions are slim. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they’re facing a 1-0 deficit as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Calderón on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Champions League 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
Atléti must turn around a 1-0 deficit against Bayer if they hope to move on to the quarterfinals.
With the league title out of reach, it makes sense for Atléti to pour all their resources into trying to make another deep run in the Champions League. The problems facing the Spanish side are suspensions and injuries, especially in the defense. Diego Godín and Siqueira won’t play, and neither will their influential midfield anchor Tiago. That’s a major problem for Simeone, but playing a home game in front of their fans will give them a boost.
Key player -- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
Atléti’s big money signing last summer has slowly but surely become the man up front for Los Colchoneros. It took him awhile to gain Simeone’s trust and become a regular starter, but once the French attacker got his chance, he took advantage of it. He’s become arguably their best attacking player, giving Atléti a player with speed, creativity and an excellent scoring touch to occupy the attention of opposing defenders.
Key matchup -- Midfield vs. Midfield
The suspensions of Tiago Diego Godín will put a lot of pressure on the Atléti defense. Rather, it could if Atléti’s midfield doesn’t do a good enough job keeping control of the game. Simeone’s team has never been one driven by the need for possession, but without Tiago to help clog things up defensively, Bayer could have more chances to grab a crucial away goal. Whichever midfield is able to dictate the flow of play better looks to have the best chance of advancing.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Diego Godiín (suspended), Tiago (suspended), Saúl Ñíguez (back), Siqueira (hamstring)
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Robbie Kruse (ankle) In doubt: Lars Bender (ankle), Tin Jedvaj (hamstring), Emir Spahić (knee)
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 3:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S. -- English), Fox Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet regional (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), Sky Sport 2/HD (Germany)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany)
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