
"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 extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.
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Ken Izekor is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to join third-tier side Alemannia Aachen with immediate effect. The 19-year-old centre-forward joined the club from Alemannia in 2018, and Izekor is now returning to his hometown.
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The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Bayer 04 have named Jorginho, a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, an official club legend. He is the second former Werkself player, after Paulo Sergio, to be accorded this special honour. For many years, the former Leverkusen defender has been deeply committed to helping people in need in his home city of Rio de Janeiro. More than 25 years ago, Jorginho launched the Bola pra Frente project, through which he uses the money he earned as a player – including during his time at Bayer 04 – to support children and young people in the favelas in particular. During a trip to Brazil lasting several days, Fernando Carro, CEO at Bayer 04, assured Jorginho of the club’s support for Bola pra Frente for at least another five years.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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