Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Leverkusen travel to the Spanish capital for Champions League Matchday 5, desperate for three points to have any chance in their group.
| Jeremie Frimpong. |
Following their draw against Wolfsburg, where they missed yet another penalty kick, Alonso stated, "Hopefully we will get another penalty kick on Wednesday."
They haven't faired much better in the Champions League with only one win, which came against Atletico in September. Leverkusen will emphasize play from Moussa Diaby and Jeremie Frimpong down the right wing, who both look nearly unstoppable at times.
Somehow, Die Werkself still have a slight chance to advance to the round of 16. A win against Atletico and a Porto loss to Club Brugge would do their hopes a world of good.
It won't be easy at the Metropolitano Stadium, surrounding by a raucous Atletico home crowd. Diego Simeone's side are slowly beginning to play some decent football and haven't loss in more than three weeks.
Florian Wirtz did return to team training today with the company club, but he's still not close to a return. Exequiel Palacios, Karim Bellarabi and Sardar Azmoun won't be available, while Patrik Schick is questionable after missing the Wolfsburg game.
Thomas Lemar, Koke and Marcos Llorente are out for Atletico, while Jan Oblak will return to the starting lineup.
Take a look at our predicted lineups here.
