Atletico Madrid welcomed Bayer Leverkusen to the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday for the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Leverkusen entered the match as the slight favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 1-0 victory in the first leg last month.
Atletico levelled the tie at 1-1 after 27 minutes when Mario Suarez had an effort deflected into the bottom corner. That proved the only goal in 90 minutes, however, as the tie headed for extra-time.
An additional 30 minutes also could not separate the two teams as the last-16 tie headed for penalties, which Atletico won 3-2 to book their spot in the last eight.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Vicente Calderon as Atletico Madrid welcome Bayer Leverkusen for the second leg of their last-16 clash. Leverkusen currently lead the tie 1-0 from the first leg in Germany last month, but there is still much to play for.
Without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Gimenez, Miranda, Gamez; Suarez, Koke, Cani; Turan, Mandzukic, Griezmann
LEVERKUSEN: Leno; Hilbert, Toprak, Spahic, Wendell; Castro, Bender; Bellarabi, Hakan, Son; Drmic
So there we have it. Very interesting team selection from Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Both Diego Godin and Tiago are suspended, but Simeone has also omitted captain Gabi, with on-loan Villlarreal midfielder Cani coming into the team. Jesus Gamez and Jose Gimenez both start at the back, while Mario Mandzukic returns to the team in place of Fernando Torres, who is on the bench.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, show just one change from the first leg in Germany, with Omer Toprak coming into the team in place of Kyriakos Papadopolous. German midfielder Lars Bender has been passed fit to start despite a slight knock, while Josip Drmic is once again given the leading role in attack ahead of Stefan Kiessling. The first-leg hero Hakan Calhanoglu is also in the XI tonight.
As touched upon, Leverkusen will enter this tie as the favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 1-0 win in the first leg last month. In truth, Atletico were far from their best in Germany and the home team certainly deserved to claim an advantage. The only goal came from Calhanoglu in the second period, but it really should have been more comfortable for the German outfit.
Leverkusen's victory in the first leg was their first win at the last-16 stage of the Champions League on their seventh attempt. The German outfit memorably reached the 2002 final, but that occurred when the second group stage was still in use. Since then, they have fallen three times at this stage – losing to Liverpool in 2005, Barcelona in 2012 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2014.
Atletico, meanwhile, are bidding to reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the seventh time in their history. They remarkably and indeed surprisingly reached the final last season after overcoming both Barcelona and Chelsea in the knockout stages, but lost out to fierce rivals Real Madrid in the final. They came so, so close, but it was Los Blancos that triumphed in extra-time.
Atletico have also won their last five two-legged ties against German opposition – remaining unbeaten since the 1979-80 UEFA Cup first round, when they lost to Dynamo Dresden. Anyone remember that? No I am too young as well. Leverkusen, on the other hand, have lost their last four European two-legged ties with Spanish opposition. In fact, not since the 1988 UEFA Cup final against Espanyol have Leverkusen overcome a La Liga team in a two-legged match.
In terms of the second leg, Atletico must be installed as the favourites. The Spanish side have won 20 of their last 22 European games in this stadium, while they are chasing a fourth straight home victory in this season's competition having won all three group games with an aggregate score of 10-0.
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Atletico's home record against Bundesliga clubs is also very strong – winning 10 of their 15 matches and losing just three times. That said, just twice in UEFA competition have Atletico managed to win a European two-legged tie after losing the first leg 1-0 on the road. One goal for Leverkusen this evening would quickly leave Atletico needing three. The power of the away goal is massive.
Atletico are also not exactly in the best form – winning just five of their last 14 games in all competitions, while they have dropped to fourth in La Liga having been held to a third successive league draw at the weekend. They are now nine points off the league leaders Barcelona and face a fight to finish in the top four, with Sevilla and Villarreal both closing on the Spanish champions.
That said, Atletico's home league form this season has not been a problem – winning 11 of their 14 matches and losing just once. On the road, however, they have dropped points in seven of their 13 matches and scored just 16 times in the process. Vitally, they are back at home tonight, but their away form in all competitions will seriously need to improve in the remainder of the season.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, are currently on a five-match winning run in all competitions, while they have gone 480 minutes without conceding. That run of form has seen them progress into the quarter-finals of the German Cup and move into fourth position in the Bundesliga. They warmed up for this particular match with an impressive 4-0 victory over Stuttgart on Friday evening.
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There was some doom and gloom around Leverkusen after Christmas, but progression this evening would set up a very exciting conclusion to the season for the German side. That said, Leverkusen's away record in Spain is poor – losing nine of their 14 matches and only recording three victories.
Leverkusen have won all 11 European competition ties in which they were victorious in the first leg at home, however, including three when the initial score was 1-0. The German outfit have also lost just one of their four away games in this season's competition and recorded two wins in the process.
Despite both of these sides having a rich history in the European game, tonight will be just the second time that they have met in the Spanish capital. The first of those meetings occurred in the group stages of the 2010-11 Europa League, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
It must be said that the Leverkusen fans are in wonderful voice inside the stadium. The Atletico supporters, meanwhile, are also making their presence known. Mandzukic in particular has been given a warm reception, with the Croatian returning to the home side's starting XI tonight.
PREDICTION! This is a really, really tough one to call. Under normal circumstances, I would really fancy Atletico, especially in this stadium, but they just have not been playing well in recent weeks. Leverkusen, on the other hand, are on a fine run of form. Here goes... I think Atletico will lead 1-0 after 120 minutes, before progressing on penalties. I think we could be in for a long night here!
Little over five minutes until kickoff in the Spanish capital. Just a reminder that there is another Champions League last-16 clash taking place this evening, with Arsenal travelling to Monaco. The French outfit currently lead that tie 3-1, but there is still plenty to play for. It should be a great night!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League tune erupts in the background. It is a massive, massive game for both teams. Who will progress tonight?
Tonight's referee is Italian Nicola Rizzoli - let's hope that we are not discussing the official come the end of the match! Right, it is the home side that get the first half of this second leg underway here.
Without sounding like a broken record, the atmosphere inside the stadium tonight is just outstanding. Simeone called for a strong crowd and that is indeed the case. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes in the Spanish capital.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has been pictured in the crowd on this mild evening in Madrid. The temperature has really dropped over the last few days that is for certain. Right, back to the football, not too much to report thus far as both teams attempt to find their way into the match.
Atletico have come out on the front foot here, but Leverkusen have been able to repel some of the pressure, which has come from crosses into the box. Atletico force another corner following a mistake at the back, but Toprak is on hand to clear at the near post. Good pressure from the hosts.
Drmic does well to hold up a long ball from Spahic, but Atletico defender Miranda is on hand to clear following a good race. The referee has allowed most things to go thus far, which is creating an open and entertaining game of football. Still no real chances for either side with eight minutes played.
CHANCE! First real sight of goal for Leverkusen as Bellarabi finds a yard of space outside the box before pulling the trigger, but his effort is just deflected wide of the post. Close!
Atletico have not had too much in the final third thus far, with Griezmann and Mandzukic both struggling to get into the match. Good work from the former forces a corner, but again Leverkusen manage to clear. You just get the feeling that Atletico have to score the first goal this evening.
The Atletico players surround the referee asking him to book Leverkusen goalkeeper Leno for time-wasting. A little early for that! It is something that the official will need to be aware of, though.
I suspect that a booking is imminent as Toprak is given a telling off for a strong challenge on Mandzukic. Atletico have the chance to threaten from the free kick, but Leno collects Koke's set piece.
Half-chance for Leverkusen as Son fires one towards the bottom corner after Atletico fail to clear a cross, but Mandzukic is on hand to make the block. Leverkusen are carrying a real threat here.
Neither side is really in control of the match at the moment, with both sides having spells in possession. Leverkusen are a tough defensive, but they are carrying a threat on the counter attack.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Leverkusen to take the lead as Bender slides an excellent pass into Son, who was through on goal, but the striker's touch just lets him down. Wow!
Atletico goalkeeper Moya appears to have tweaked his hamstring here. Change of stopper?
SUB! Atletico are indeed forced into a change of goalkeeper. It is a hamstring problem for Moya, who limps off the field. Slovenian stopper Jan Oblak enters for the home side here.
Well, that change has just harmed the tempo. It is far from ideal at this stage of the match.
Spahic has had a super match at the heart of the Leverkusen defence thus far, with the centre-back again coming across to challenge Griezmann. Atletico continue to work the ball into a wide area, but Leverkusen manage to clear once again. Still goalless with 26 minutes on the clock at the Calderon.
BOOKING! Spahic (Leverkusen) is booked for a late challenge on Cani.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Leverkusen (Suarez)
Atletico break the Leverkusen resistance with 27 minutes on the clock as Suarez's low strike is deflected into the bottom corner by Toprak. Harsh on Leverkusen, but Atletico lead here!
We are ALL LEVEL in the tie now. This is the only score that can bring extra-time and beyond.
BOOKING! Gimenez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Hakan.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Atletico to score a second as Turan delivers a super pass into Mandzukic, who is through on goal, but Wendell comes from nowhere to make a stunning tackle.
Well, this match took a little while to get going, but it is now in full flow, with both sides threatening in the final third. It must be said that the opening 33 minutes have absolutely flown past here.
Atletico have a free kick just outside the box as Spahic fells Mandzukic...
... Griezmann takes the set piece, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Good pressure from the home side as they force another two corners in quick succession, but Leverkusen manage to deal with the aerial threat. This tie is so delicately poised at the moment.
The referee is extremely busy at the moment as late challenges continue to occur at both ends of the field. However, the Italian is remaining sensitive to the occasion, which is good to see. There is no question that Atletico are the team on the front foot as Suarez has one deflected just wide.
Every time Atletico deliver a corner, it is a battle inside the Leverkusen box, but the away side have been aerially strong thus far. It is a good spell for the home side as we approach the interval.
Bellarabi has a problem for Leverkusen here after taking a strong challenge from Koke.
It does appear that Bellarabi will be able to continue following a period of treatment. The score remains 1-0 as we approach the half-time break. We are all level in this last-16 tie.
Leverkusen have just managed to kill the game in the last couple of minutes, which is just what they needed to occur following a strong spell of Atletico pressure. Just a reminder that 1-0 Atletico would take us into extra-time and possibly beyond. I predicted that pre-match and it is looking likely!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the visitors as Son slides a super pass into Wendell, who delivers towards the near post, but Miranda just manages to block ahead of Hakan. Good football!
Mandzukic now goes down and looks in real pain...
We are going to have about 10 minutes of injury time the way this is going!
Mandzukic continues to receive treatment on the touchline as we enter the third minute of added time. Castro deliver a high ball towards the Atletico box, but Oblak claims ahead of Drmic.
Mandzukic hobbles back onto the pitch for the final moments of this first period.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Leverkusen
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of a Suarez effort after 27 minutes. As it stands, this last-16 clash is level at 1-1 on aggregate. Leverkusen have had their moments, but Atletico have probably just about shaded it thus far here.
STATS! Leverkusen have shaded the possession with 52%, but they have only had two attempts - neither of which have been on target. Atletico, however, have hit the target with two of their five attempts. There have also been two bookings during a half that has been feisty in terms of challenges.
BENCH WATCH! Simeone must first decide whether Mandzukic is fit enough to continue here following that knock to his ankle at the end of the half. Should the Croatian not make it, the Atletico boss could turn to either Fernando Torres or Raul Garcia. The hosts have already been forced into one change, with Oblak replacing Moya between the sticks after just 23 minutes. Leverkusen boss Schmidt, meanwhile, has attacking options in the shape of Kiessling and Brandt. Will we see any changes at the break?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time in Madrid. It is the visitors that get the second 45 minutes underway.
1 - Atletico have not conceded a goal in a second half of a UCL home game since September 2013 against Zenit. Granite.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 17, 2015
SUB! Atletico have made a change at the break with Garcia replacing Cani.
Atletico only have one permitted change remaining and Mandzukic was struggling at the end of the first half. It is a surprise that Simeone has introduced Garcia at the interval. The home side have started the second period on the front foot, with Mandzukic already threatening down the left.
Half-chance for the home side as Mandzukic floats an excellent cross towards Garcia, who cushions one into the path of Greizmann, but Spahic is across to make a super challenge. One-way traffic.
The referee has had a busy start to the second half as the challenges continue to fly in all over the field. He will do well to keep 22 players on the field tonight. Leverkusen are yet to settle this half.
Wow, Atletico are preparing to make their third and final change after just 53 minutes!
Gabi is now back on the bench with his top on. The Spaniard has been up and down, up and down since the interval. Atletico continue to force the issue with a sustained period of pressure here.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the second period, but the home side are on the front foot as they continue to work the ball into the Leverkusen box. The visitors, however, have been unable to threaten on the counter. Little over 30 minutes of the 90 remaining in Madrid.
Griezmann is down the left this time, with the Frenchman driving past Castro before delivering, but Spahic is on hand to clear. The pressure continues, however, as Atletico force yet another corner.
Bellarabi tries his luck for the away side, but his effort was always comfortable for Oblak, who has had very little to do since coming on. Just a reminder that as it stands, we will have extra-time here.
Leverkusen are not overly concerned with pushing forward at the moment and in truth, that is not much of a surprise. They are still in a very good position in this tie. The visitors have the chance to threaten from a free kick, but Hakan's delivery is straight into the arms of the giant Slovenian Oblak.
Just a reminder that Simeone only has one change remaining this evening, but Leverkusen are yet to look to their bench. It is so finely balance as we approach the final 30 minutes of normal time here.
BOOKING! Toprak (Leverkusen) is booked for taking out Turan.
Spahic stays down following an aerial challenge with Mandzukic, but it does appear that the Leverkusen centre-back will be fit to continue. Still the aggregate score remains 1-1 in Madrid.
Leverkusen's delivery from set pieces has been very poor in the second period and that pattern continues as Hakan delivers one straight into the arms of Oblak. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment in terms of attacking play, but Atletico remain the team on the front foot here.
CHANCE! Turan comes close to scoring a second for Atletico after meeting a super cross from Griezmann, but the Turkish international's effort is high of the crossbar. Unlucky!
SUB! Leverkusen make their first change as Kiessling replaces Drmic.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Koke delivers an excellent cross towards the far post, but Garcia cannot make contact. Any touch would have taken it in!
BOOKING! Gamez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Kiessling.
The home supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment, but not too much is happening on the field. Koke delivers another deep cross towards Garcia, but Leverkusen once again defend it well.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Griezmann drives down the left before squaring to Turan, but the Turk just cannot force it towards goal and the danger is cleared.
BOOKING! Suarez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Hakan.
SUB! Leverkusen make their second change as Rolfes replaces Son.
BOOKING! Hakan (Leverkusen) is booked for a late challenge on Gamez.
Another half-chance for the home side as Mandzukic drives a low cross into Griezmann, but the Frenchman cannot make contact and Rolfes is on hand to clear. All Atletico at the moment here.
CHANCE! All Atletico at the moment as Griezmann sets up Turan, but his low effort is saved by Leno, before the danger is hacked clear. Leverkusen are really wobbling now!
Just a reminder that as it stands, we are heading for extra-time. It could be a long old night!
SUB! Atletico make their third and final change as Torres replaces Mandzukic.
You just get the feeling that there will be at least one more big chance in the final five minutes of normal time here. Leverkusen are settling for extra-time, but Atletico really want a winner.
Leverkusen have the chance to threaten from a wide area, but Bellarabi delivers straight out of play. Poor from the German international, who has struggled in the second period. Not long left here.
Atletico are suffocating Leverkusen in the final third at the moment, but time is running out.
BOOKING! Wendell (Leverkusen) is booked for a poor challenge on Torres.
Koke delivers the resulting set piece, but Hakan is on hand to clear at the near post.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes here.
Koke delivers yet another corner from the left, but once again, Leverkusen deal with the danger.
Leverkusen have a goal kick and we are heading for extra-time here.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Atletico 1-0 Leverkusen (Match heads to extra-time)
Do not go anywhere folks because we have extra-time covered here. I predicted 1-0 before the match and that is indeed the case. Can Atletico make their pressure count in the Spanish capital?
Elsewhere, Monaco have made it through to the quarter-finals despite losing 2-0 at home to Arsenal in the second leg. Will it be Atletico or Leverkusen joining them? Extra-time is imminent here.
Here we go then. It has been a gripping game, but now it is time for someone to make themselves a hero. I still think that Atletico will just come out on top, possibly on penalties. Off we go in ET...
Leverkusen have started extra-time on the front foot, which was not the case for long spells of the second period. Bender appears to have a problem following a strong challenge with Koke.
It is all getting a little silly here as both sets of players clash following another late challenge. It has not really been that type of game, but it has an underlying ill-feeling. Still 1-1 on aggregate.
Half-chance for the away side as Kiessling strikes one from just outside the box, but his effort was always comfortable for Oblak, who immediately releases Torres down the other end. The Spaniard goes down inside the box under pressure from Spahic, but the referee is simply not interested.
Garcia picks up a nasty cut following a hand in the face from Kiessling. It is a war at the moment!
Leverkusen have been much more in the match in extra-time, but they are still struggling to threaten Oblak in the Atletico goal. The hosts, meanwhile, are also struggling a touch in the final third.
Atletico have just managed to regain their territorial advantage in the last couple of minutes, but Griezmann's touch lets him down at the far post following excellent work from Juanfran on the opposite flank. It is looking more and more likely that penalties will decide the outcome here.
BOOKING! Kiessling (Leverkusen) is booked for dissent.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, but that is brought to a close when Bender goes down with an injury. It has been quite a frustrating first half of extra-time. For me anyway!
SUB! Leverkusen make their third and final change as Papadopoulos replaces Bender.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Leverkusen
It will be a quick turnaround here. Maybe a few words from the coaches. We are 15 minutes away from penalties in the Spanish capital. It is time for someone to make themselves a hero here.
Leverkusen get the second half of extra-time anyway here.
I think it would be fair to say that a goal at this stage would be decisive. Atletico continue to look the team more likely, but Leverkusen have been very, very good at the back for long periods tonight.
CHANCE! Turan sets up Garcia inside the Leverkusen box, but the Atletico midfielder's effort is saved by Leno. Super goalkeeping from the German stopper. Big moment!
Leverkusen are just wobbling a touch here as Atletico continue to force the issue in the final third, but the German side have plenty of pace on the counter attack. Is there to be late drama here?
BOOKING! Torres (Atletico) is booked for dissent.
CLOSE! WOW! Leverkusen come close to taking the lead in the tie as Rolfes strikes a sensational effort from some 40 yards, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Almost a stunning conclusion!
BOOKING! Papadopoulos (Leverkusen) is booked for a late challenge on Griezmann.
Another half-chance for the home side as Torres meets a free kick from Koke, but his flicked header is high of the crossbar. Little over five minutes of extra-time remaining in the Spanish capital.
Both teams are almost settling for penalties now, especially Leverkusen, who are very deep. Atletico have certainly shaded this match, but Leverkusen were much the better team in Germany.
Torres has a half-chance after meeting a cross from Garcia, but his flying header is saved.
Not too much happening at the moment as the final moments of extra-time continue to drift away. It is looking likely that penalties will determine which of these teams makes the quarter-finals.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-0(1) Leverkusen (Match goes to penalties)
Penalties it is then! As predicted pre-match, this will be decided from the spot!
Who really wants it? It is a battle or nerve now. Atletico or Leverkusen?
The home supporters are in wonderful voice as we gear up for this shootout. Both managers are having their final words, but nothing they say at this point will have much of an impact!
OVER! Raul Garcia fires over the crossbar! Wow!
SAVE! Oblak denies Hakan from the spot! No-one wants this!
GOAL! Super penalty from Griezmann, who rattles his effort into the top corner.
GOAL! Rolfes rattles one into the same corner as Griezmann.
GOAL! Mario Suarez fires his effort past Leno.
OVER! Toprak fires his effort over the crossbar! Atletico lead 2-1.
SAVE! Leno denies Koke from the spot! Super goalkeeping!
GOAL! Castro fires his effort into the bottom corner. Level at 2-2 here.
GOAL! Super penalty from Torres, who finds the corner.
OVER! Kiessling fires over the crossbar! Atletico win it!
FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-0(1) Leverkusen (Atletico win 3-2 on pens)
So there we have it! Atletico hold their nerve to book their spot in the quarter-finals. On balance, they probably just about deserve it. Incredible conclusion to this last-16 second leg in Madrid.
Thanks for joining Sports Mole for another wonderful night of football. Be sure to join us again tomorrow for more Champions League action. Time to take a breath! Good evening!
