Back
20.02.2017Champions League

'Go into the first leg with belief and confidence.'

If you look Roger Schmidt in the eyes then you will see determination. That impression was confirmed at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first leg game against Atlético Madrid.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

"We want to fight our way through to the quarter-finals with passion," said the head coach the day before the first showdown in the Champions League. The Werkself are ready for the #nextLEVel.

Bayer 04 have a score to settle with the Spanish team coached by Diego Simeone. Almost exactly two years ago, the clubs faced each other in the Round of 16 of the Champions League with the Red and Whites winning out on penalties after two tight games. A moment that Schmidt has obviously not forgotten does not play a significant role for him in 2017. Those matches are more a reference point as both teams have not changed greatly in terms of playing style as Schmidt observed. "And, as we've seen, we can compete with the top team like Atlético on a good day."

Boost for the Champions League tie

His players have received a boost with the two wins in the league. "I've seen beaming faces," admitted Schmidt: "We will go into this game with belief and confidence." There is a question mark over Lars Bender. The Werkself captain went off at Augsburg with a muscular problem and trained on his own on Tuesday. A decision on his availability be made on the day of the match.

The team from the Spanish capital also have injury problems. In addition to the important defenders Juanfran and Diego Godin, the defensive stalwarts Tiago and Augusto Fernandez have not travelled to the Rhineland. Good news for Simeone: goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who underwent a shoulder operation in December, returned to full training this week.

In spite of the absences, Atlético will still field a team full of international experience. "We won't be able to beat Madrid as a matter of course," said Schmidt: "Instead, we'll have to show our quality and play without fear."

#nextLEVel

Ahead of the home game against Atlético, Bayer 04 have made it possible for all fans to tweet their support using the hashtag #nextLEVel via StadiumVision to the BayArena.

 

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at Chelsea

The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.

Show more
Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at Fortuna Sittard

The Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.

Show more
Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at VfL Bochum

The Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

U21 Euros winner Jarell Quansah joins Bayer 04 from Liverpool

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the England U21 international and European champion Jarell Quansah. The central defender joins Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 01.07.2025

New chapter – same fire: Bayer 04 and New Balance present 2025/26 home jersey

A striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.

Show more