Champions League Preview and Odds - Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

Published on: 21/02/2017

Champions League Preview and Odds - Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

February 21, 2017 19:45pm - BayArena

Referee: W. Collum

Champions League - Knockout Stage

Bayer Leverkusen will look to win a Champions League Round-of-16 tie for the very first time when they take on the team that eliminated them at the same stage two years ago. The Germans reached the final back in 2002 when the competition still featured two group stages.

Germans back in form ahead of this clash

A pair of defeats after the winter break left Bayer Leverkusen sinking towards the lower half of the Bundesliga table. However, back-to-back wins in their last two games have seen them rise back up to eighth position, seven points adrift of the top four.

The Germans edged out Spurs to finish second behind Monaco in the group stage of this event, beating both of those sides in the process. They remain unbeaten in their last eight Champions League matches, although they did draw six of those fixtures. On home soil, they have lost just one of their last 12 in this competition and are unbeaten in their last eight.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will try to get their stumbling season back on track by continuing their good form in this event. Last year`s finalists have won six of their last seven since losing to Real Madrid in Milan, conceding just two goals in the process.

However, injuries could play a part as Jan Oblak, Diego Godin, and Juanfran are all expected to miss out, leaving Atleti`s rear guard somewhat depleted. Despite having under-performed by their own high standards this term, Diego Simeone`s men have only been beaten once in their last 10 matches (away to Barcelona).

Team news

Hakan Calhanoglu is suspended for the home side, while Lars Bender (knock) and Jonathan Tah (thigh) are both set to miss out through injury.

Jan Oblak remains a doubt for the home side along with Nicolas Gaitan (knock), while Diego Godin (muscular), Juanfran (thigh), Tiago and Augusto Fernandez (ACL) will all miss out.

Recent form (All competitions)

Bayer Leverkusen : WWLLW

Atletico Madrid: WWDWL

Betting odds and tips

The home side have found the net at least once in 21 of their last 24 home games, and with Atletico also back in scoring mood in the last couple of weeks, both teams can be expected to score in this game.

Combine this with the fact that the home side have drawn four of their last five at home in this competition and the Draw/Both Teams to Score bet also looks tempting.

You can back Both Teams to Score at Evens and Match Result (Draw)/ Both Teams To Score at 7/2 - both with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/02/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/02/2017 12:02:53) but are subject to change.