Atlético debuts in Champions League by visiting Schalke 04

The drawing for the third round Champions League qualifying round has pitted Atlético de Madrid against German side Schalke 04, a team that finished the past Bundesliga in third place and which has as their standout players Kuranyi, Altintop, Farfán and Asamoah. The first match will be held in German lands, which is an advantage for the Atleti supporters, as they will be able to attend the return-leg at the Vicente Calderón, in what could be the return triumphantly to the top international competition. Schalke 04 faced Barcelona last season in the quarterfinals with a double victory for the ‘azulgrana’, 0-1 at Veltins Arena and 1-0 in Camp Nou.