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          Atletico Madrid captain Gabi not underestimating Bayer Leverkusen

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            Dec 15, 2014, 02:48 PM ET

            Atletico Madrid are not underestimating the strength of rival Bayer Leverkusen after being drawn against them in the Champions League last 16.

            Atleti captain Gabi told AS that, despite his team's recent success, they have to be aware that German rivals are always tough.

            "They are a team that compete very well. It is going to be very complicated and at the end of February when we start we will see if we can reach this goal or not. What is clear is that we have not underestimated anyone over the past three years that we have been together and we aren't going to do it now," he said.

            Bayer Leverkusen are ranked third in the Bundesliga and Gabi added: "On paper there were very powerful teams in the draw, but the German teams know how to compete and will make things difficult.

            "First we have to beat Leverkusen and then the match-ups are open against very powerful clubs -- but first we have to beat Leverkusen and that is going to be tough."

            Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said that Atletico Madrid represent "a great challenge. Atletico are La Liga champions, but we have a chance."

            Voller said Porto would have been the easiest draw, but added that Leverkusen's luck could have been worse.

            Atletico general manager Clemente Villaverde told AS that reaching the final 16 was "fundamental and very important for our club identity," and added that there were no easy rivals.

            "The draw -- well, among all the options, this is a team that we can fight against," Villaverde said. "At the end of the day, you play football one match at a time. We must keep doing our work, and be humble. Those are our main weapons. And if we didn't do that already we wouldn't be here."

            Atletico faced Leverkusen in the group stage for the 2010-11 Europa League, drawing 1-1 home and away, with the German side progressing as group winners and Atletico making an early exit.

            "Nothing is easy," Villaverde said. "We know them well. A few years back we played them in Europa League and we know their potential. We have always respected our rivals and that is the way we know how to be successful. The day that we don't dream, we won't achieve anything. Sport has to be about dreams and the desire to improve."