Bayer Leverkusen's Hakan Calhanoglu scores a goal past Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin (front) during their Champions League round of 16, first leg soccer match in Leverkusen, Feb 25, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
In a very physical encounter in which coaches Simeone and Roger Schmidt had a heated argument on the sidelines, Leverkusen grabbed a deserved lead through Calhanoglu.
Karim Bellarabi drew three players on to him before cleverly flicking the ball on for Calhanoglu who lashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Atletico, who will be without Godin and Tiago in the return leg, were toothless even when Simeone brought on striker Fernando Torres to form a three-pronged attack for much of the second half.