Werkself face Atlético Madrid in last 16

Michael Schade expressed his preferences before the draw in Nyon. “If I had the choice then it definitely wouldn’t be Barcelona. On the other hand, I’d be very happy with Leicester as opponents in the Round of 16,” declared the Bayer 04 CEO. All speculation was over shortly after that as the balls were pulled out at the UEFA draw – and neither club was the opponent. The Werkself meet Atlético Madrid in the last sixteen in February and March of next year in the repeat of the draw two years ago.

“It’s a huge challenge and we’re happy with the draw. Madrid is a great city and always worth a visit plus we have an account to settle. We were absolutely on equal terms two years ago. We hope we will have a full squad next February,” said Michael Schade.

Rudi Völler: “We can compete”

Sporting director Rudi Völler stated: “Atlético are a tough opponent but we showed we can compete two years ago. We’re looking forward to this tie and we’ll do all we can to produce two great performances.” And Jonas Boldt, sporting manager, said: “It’s a tough nut to crack but it was clear it would be a tough draw. The players know what to expect against Atlético. But we can be optimistic given our previous performances in the Champions League. We’ll try to establish an advantage at home at the BayArena.”

Bayer 04 beat Atlético 1-0 in the first leg at the BayArena two years ago thanks to a goal from Hakan Calhanoglu. The Spaniards won the return match at the Estadio Vicente Calderón by the same score – and ran out winners in the penalty shoot-out. The two group matches against Atlético in the Europa League in 2010/11 ended all square in 1-1 draws.

The Rojiblancos have won the Europa League twice (2010, 2012) and were last Spanish champions in 2014. The club reached the Champions League Final in 2014 and 2016 where they lost out to city rivals Real; once in extra time and on penalties this year. Stars in the team coached by Argetinian firebrand Diego Simeone include French stikers Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro plus the Spaniard Fernando Torres, the Belgian midfielder Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco as well as defenders Filipe Luis, Juanfran and Diego Godin. Atlético finished the group stage comfortably ahead of German record champions Bayern Munich, winning all games within the exception of the final match against Bayern (0-1).

Round of 16 draw (first legs on 14/15 February and 21/22 February, second legs on 7/8 March and 14/15 March):

Manchester City v Monaco

Real Madrid v Napoli

Benfica v Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich v Arsenal

Porto v Juventus

Bayer 04 v Atlético Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona

Sevilla v Leicester City

Tickets available from Tuesday 13 December

Tickets go on sale to Club members on Tuesday 13 December at 10.00 CET via the following methods. Open sale starts on Thursday 15 December at 10.00 CET.

• Onlineathttp://ticketshop.bayer04.de
• By phone at 01805/040404 (0.14 euros/min. from German landline)
• In personat theBayer 04 shops Leverkusen-City, Bergisch Gladbach and Solingenor from Service OST at the BayArena East Stand