Heung-min targets repeat performance in return leg
LEVERKUSEN: South Korea forward Son Heung-min said Bayer Leverkusen will need another eye-catching display at Atletico Madrid if they are to keep alive their dreams of reaching the Champions League’s quarterfinals.
The Germans have one foot in the last eight for the first time since reaching the 2002 Champions League final after Hakan Calhanoglu’s superb second-half goal sealed Leverkusen’s 1-0 win over Atletico in Wednesday’s last 16, first-leg clash.
Atletico finished with 10 men at Leverkusen’s Bay Arena after midfielder Tiago was sent off for the final quarter of an hour for a second booking.
Centreback Diego Godin is also suspended for the return leg on March 17 after getting a second-half yellow card.
But left winger Heung-min said his Leverkusen side will need to play just as well in Madrid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 13 years.
“It was a very intensive game and we’ll need to play like this again in Madrid to get a chance to go through,” said Heung-min, who failed to add to his tally of three Champions League goals in seven games.
“We know they are very strong at home, but we want to enjoy the win after a superb performance from the team.”
Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt said there is still all to play for in Madrid.
“Nothing has been decided, but I think it was important to have not conceded a goal,” said Schmidt, who is in his first season in charge.
“The door is still open for Atletico, but we have shown we are also good for a goal or two.
“We have to try and score in Madrid, which will really give us a chance.” — AFP