Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago has insisted that his side are ready to return to Champions League action.

The Spanish champions, who lost to Real Madrid in last season's final, will travel to Bayer Leverkusen for the first leg of their last-16 clash on Wednesday evening.

"The group is strong and prepared. After months of waiting for this game we know how important it is," he told AS.

"We had a great Champions League last year and we want this year to be good too. There are no easy games though and I'm sure we'll experience suffering .

"What matters are the teams [not Leverkusen's individual qualities]. They have great set pieces, attack with a lot of numbers and they are dangerous in transitions."

Leverkusen have never won a last-16 match in the Champions League, with their 2002 final appearance occurring when the second group stage was still in use.