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Bayer Leverkusen have to believe they can succeed at Atletico - Tayfun Korkut

Bayer Leverkusen will be without key players including captain Lars Bender but "must believe" they have a chance against Atletico Madrid, new coach Tayfun Korkut has said.

The out-of-form Bundesliga side will be attempting to overcome a 4-2 first leg deficit when they travel to the Calderon in the round of 16.

Having replaced Roger Schmidt, sacked after the 6-2 Bundesliga defeat at Dortmund earlier this month, Korkut urged his players to approach the game in a positive way.

"We are not going to Madrid for a sightseeing trip. We must believe," he told reporters at the airport, and CEO Michael Schade said: "Who knows? Wonders never cease, especially in football."

Leverkusen are without Bender, who has an ankle injury, and attacker Stefan Kiessling, who has back problems.

Defenders Omer Toprak and Jonathan Tah are also out.