CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Atletico eye quarters once more
Madrid, March 14: Fernando Torres is expected to return just two weeks after losing consciousness in a sickening head clash as Atletico Madrid look to seal their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Atletico are strong favourites to reach the last eight for a fourth straight year as Torres was on target in a 4-2 first leg win against Beyer Leverkusen in Germany three weeks ago to give the Spanish side a commanding lead.
Torres returned to full training for the first time on Monday since losing consciousness in a challenge with Deportivo la Coruna’s Alex Bergantinos that provoked consternation among those on the field and watching around the world.
However, thankfully the 32-year-old was released from hospital less than 24 hours later having suffered no serious injuries.
“We imagine that for Wednesday he will be available,” said Atletico boss Diego Simeone.
Whether Torres starts depends on Kevin Gameiro’s fitness as the French international missed Saturday’s 1-0 win at Granada with an abdominal injury.
Atletico will definitely be without captain Gabi and left-back Filipe Luis as they picked up yellow cards towards the end of the first leg to ensure they will be free to play in the quarter-finals.
However, despite that apparent show of Atletico’s confidence that they already have one foot in the quarters, midfielder Koke warned against complacency.
“We have a great result from the first leg, but we can’t be complacent. We need to give our all again on Wednesday,” he said.
Leverkusen travel to Spain under new management as Tayfun Korkut replaced the sacked Roger Schmidt after the Germans first leg defeat was followed up by a 6-2 thrashing at Borussia Dortmund.
In Paris, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is targeting another deep Champions League run, although Pep Guardiola’s side must first negotiate a tricky last 16 second leg against Monaco this week.
City recovered from twice falling behind to outgun the French league leaders 5-3 in the opening leg in Manchester, but Monaco’s formidable attacking threat could still shatter the Premier League club’s aspirations.
Under Manuel Pellegrini last season City reached the semi-finals for the first time, losing to eventual champions Real Madrid 1-0 on aggregate, and De Bruyne is confident they can go further with Guardiola.
“I think we can reach the final, but of course the other teams will think the same and that doesn’t make it easier,” the Belgium international told Uefa.com.
“It will be very tough against Monaco, they’re doing extremely well at the moment, but we are very positive and if we beat them we are through to the quarter-finals.”
Radamel Falcao, who scored twice at the Etihad Stadium, is set to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bordeaux that kept Monaco three points clear at the top.