Last year’s finalists face an uphill task after the 1-0 defeat at Bay Arena, especially as they are winless in last four matches.

Bayer Leverkusen hold a valuable lead from the first match, but they will, nonetheless, have to work hard in order to secure a quarter-final berth.

Atletico’s seemingly impressive season is threatening to turn into major disappointment, with Diego Simeone’s charges going through a very rough patch at the moment.

After getting eliminated from Copa del Rey, los Colchoneros also lost the first leg of their Champions League encounter with Bayer Leverkusen, while slipping to fourth in the La Liga standings.

Another top 4 finish is now in danger as Atletico’s advantage over fifth-placed Sevilla melted to four points on the back of a run of three straight draws.

However, los Colchoneros have reason for optimism ahead of the clash with Bayer Leverkusen, having won eight of last nine Champions League fixtures at Vicente Calderon, conceding mere two goals in the process.

As a result, you should know that Atletico can be backed at 2.75 (7/4) to record another win to nil that would probably guarantee progress into the next stage.

Diego Simeone will have Mario Mandzukic and Guilherme Siqueira back from domestic ban, but Diego Godin and Tiago Mendes are suspended for the Leverkusen clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Moya – Juanfran, Miranda, Gimenez, Siqueira – Turan, Gabi, Mario, Koke – Mandzukic, Griezmann.

Unlike their next opponents, Bayer Leverkusen have been far from impressive this season, but they seem to have hit top form at the right time.

The impressive 1-0 triumph over Atletico Madrid clearly acted as a major confidence boost, with die Werkself going to win next four matches in all competitions.

And the fact Bayer have now kept five clean sheets in a row gives the visitors reason to hope for a positive result at Vicente Calderon.

Leverkusen improved their Champions League hopes with a 4-0 victory over Stuttgart at the weekend, creating a three-point advantage over top 4 rivals Schalke.

Die Werkself now hope to extend the impressive run and make it to the CL quarter-finals, and they are 1.83 (5/6) to succeed in their quest.

Important defender Emir Spahic is back from domestic ban, while Lars Bender is doubtful and Tin Jedvaj and Robbie Kruse are definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Leno – Hilbert, Toprak, Spahic, Wendell – Castro, Rolfes – Bellarabi, Calhanoglu, Son – Drmic.