
"We got off to a bad start in the group. We shouldn't have lost against Moscow. We did better in Turin but left empty-handed," said the head coach. "Now we have to take a lot of risks tomorrow if we're going to win the game." Easier said than done as the Madrid side keep it tight at the back. "Atletico concede very few goals but we normally score a lot – unfortunately not last week but we have the quality including in away games," said Bosz ahead of the seventh meeting for the Werkself with Atletico on the European stage.
There have already been two ties in the Round of 16 in Europe's premier club competition – the Champions League campaign in 2016/17 ended with a 4-2 away defeat and a goalless draw at home; it was much closer in 2014/15 when the Werkself lost 3-2 on penalties. This time, "we want to show that we can get a result in this group," said Julian Baumgartlinger before emphasising: "We won't give up without a fight. The quality of the opposition is well known. They are compact, quick at the back, fast in transition and able to counter-attack really well." Baumgartlinger remains undaunted: "We want to play our own game."
Peter Bosz also spoke about his opposite number: "It's incredible what Diego Simeone has achieved here over the past few years. They compete at the top of the league every year and qualify for the Champions League – he's a phenomenon in my opinion. But I hope we don't help them out tomorrow." Atletico superstar Joao Felix will not be able to help his team either. The 19-year-old goalgetter is sidelined with an ankle injury. "He's one of the most talented players around. But we also know from the quality of the Atletico squad that they can replace him," said Baumgartlinger. "We haven't just prepared for Felix but also for the general style of play of our opponents."
Tomorrow's game will be refereed by Artur Soares Dias (Portugal).



Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
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Shortly after signing his contract with Bayer 04, new signing Facundo Medina spoke to Werkself.tv about his first impressions of the club, his expectations and his conversations with his Argentine compatriot Exequiel Palacios. The defender also reveals what the fans can look forward to. Welcome to Leverkusen, Facu!
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Bayer 04 have unveiled the new third kit for the 2026/27 season. The design, developed by kit supplier New Balance, combines the city’s colours with symbols that have defined Leverkusen and Bayer 04 for generations.
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Tickets for the first two Bayer 04 women’s team home games are now on general sale. A week after their league opener away at RB Leipzig, Roberto Pätzold’s side will face last season’s runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, in the first home fixture on Sunday 30 August (kick-off: 16:00 CEST). Fifteen days later, on Monday night, 14 September (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), the Leverkusen Women host German champions Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for a top-of-the-table league clash. You can now also select specific seats via the online shop. The latest information on match ticket sales.
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