Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Diego Godin (R) leave the pitch dejected after losing to Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League round of 16, first leg soccer match in Leverkusen, Feb 25, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Leverkusen had hoped the European stage would lift their game after a rocky start to the year sent them down to sixth in the Bundesliga.

They did not have to wait long for a chance with Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic clearing an Emir Spahic effort on the line in the 12th minute.

The Bosnian defender came even closer in the 26th when his thundering drive bounced off the crossbar.

The Spaniards needed almost 40 minutes to find their feet and responded with a chance of their own, Leno clearing a cross at the last moment with Antoine Griezman ready to head in.

Leno saved the hosts with a brilliant reflex effort on the stroke of halftime, palming away a powerful volley from Tiago.