Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 2015 Champions League: La Liga champs through on penalties

Atléti started the game well thanks to the support of their large and loud crowd, but there were unable to generate a good chance on goal in the opening 20 minutes. Bayer looked sloppy though at times with their passing, but before the Colchoneros could take advantage, they had an injury to deal with.

Goalkeeper Miguel Ángel Moyà injured his hamstring making a play on loose ball in his own area in the 20th minute, forcing backup goalkeeper Jan Oblak into the game and burning one of Diego Simeone’s three subs.

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.

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.