Kick-off time and TV coverage for Atlético Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League

Monday 20th January 2025 01:19 AM

Diego Simeone-led Atlético Madrid face a crucial match in their quest to secure a place among the top eight teams in the UEFA Champions League. This meeting pits them against the formidable Bayer Leverkusen, coached by Xabi Alonso, and is part of the seventh day of the group stage, which could prove decisive for the Spanish team.

After suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Leganés in the EA Sports Liga last Saturday, Atlético are keen to respond. The team struggled offensively, hitting the uprights three times and missing a penalty. Currently, they occupy second place in the La Liga standings with 44 points, just behind Real Madrid who have 46.

Currently, Atlético have 12 points in the Champions League, which places them in eleventh position in the standings. They have four wins and two losses, with three consecutive wins before this crucial match. The team will hope to draw strength from their supporters at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as they aim for a victory against one of the best clubs in Europe.

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Although Atlético’s impressive streak of 15 consecutive victories has been interrupted, Bayer Leverkusen comes in with 12 wins in a row. The German team is effectively in the top 8 of the competition, currently occupying fourth place with 13 points.

Victory is essential for Atlético at home against a respected opponent. However, they will be without their key player Alexander Sorloth due to injury, putting the focus on Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, and Giuliano Simeone to take on the challenge.

Bayer Leverkusen has a solid squad, with Florian Wirtz as the undisputed star. They currently occupy second place in the Bundesliga, behind Bayern Munich.

Therefore, a record crowd is expected at the Metropolitano. Atlético will have to give their best to secure all three points against a rival they have already faced 10 times, with each team winning three games and four ending in a draw; this marks their eleventh meeting.