Bayer Leverkusen are handing 17-year-old wunderkind Kai Havertz his first Champions League start in the opening leg of their first knockout round tie against Atlético Madrid at the BayArena. The teenager takes Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s spot in attacking midfield, with the Turkish playmaker having been suspended for the remainder of the season for a breach of contract.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atlético Madrid lineups: Bayer hand teenager Havertz first Champions League start
Roger Schmidt is gambling on 17-year-old Kai Havertz in the attacking midfield spot.
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
There are otherwise few surprises in either side’s lineup, though it’s worth noting that Atléti’s first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak is only fit enough to make the bench. Miguel Ángel Moyà is thus handed a start between the sticks. Šime Vrsaljko is at right-back in the absence of the injured Juanfran, while Kévin Gameiro partners Antoine Griezmann in attack.
Bayer Leverkusen starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Wendell, Ömer Toprak, Aleksandar Dragović, Benjamin Henrichs; Kevin Kampl, Charles Aránguiz; Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz, Karim Bellarabi; Javier Hernández.
Atlético Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2): Miguel Ángel Moyà; Filipe Luís, José María Giménez, Stefan Savić, Šime Vrsaljko; Yannick Carrasco, Saúl Ñíguez, Gabi, Koke; Kévin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann.
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