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Spaniards keen to bounce back Atletico Madrid will attempt to get the defence of their Europa League title back on track when they host buoyant Bayer Leverkusen at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico, who ended a 14-year wait for silverware when they won this competition in May, suffered a losing start to their Group B campaign after going down 1-0 at Aris Thessaloniki. That was a rare setback on what has otherwise been a promising start to the season for Quique Sanchez Flores' men, with the Rojiblancos beating Inter Milan in the UEFA Super Cup and picking up three wins from their opening five league games. Atletico's only other defeat has come at home to two-time defending Spanish champions Barcelona in La Liga, but the capital club have bounced back with a draw at in-form Valencia and then a 1-0 home win over Real Zaragoza on Sunday. Midfielder Fran Merida said: "The team is on a good line. The victory against Real Zaragoza was important after several games without a win. "The team worked hard on fitness and tactics in pre-season and we are doing very well in both aspects. We've not let in many goals and there's been no feeling of danger at the back. The team has taken the work on board well and this is evident on the pitch." The summer signing from Arsenal, who is now back to fitness following injury, added: "We need to take the game by the scruff of the neck and win after the slip in Greece. "As well as that, at home we have to press hard so we feel from the first moment that we are going for the three points." Atletico will be without new centre-back Diego Godin, who has a knee injury which will sideline him for around three weeks. Leverkusen make the trip to Spain having enjoyed a fine start to the season as well, and sit atop Group B following their heavy victory over Rosenborg. Jupp Heynckes' side won that game 4-0 thanks to a Patrick Helmes hat-trick, while in the Bundesliga they are currently fifth in the standings having beaten Stuttgart 4-1 at the weekend. Heynckes claims his side will go for the win. "We have come to Madrid to win," he said. "My team has the technical strength." The coach, who has previously managed Atletico's fierce rivals Real Madrid, is aware Atletico will provide a stern test, though, and praised the effect Sanchez Flores has had on the team. "I know and follow Spanish football," he added. "The team (Atletico) are well organised, play creative football and are good defensively - it was not always like that." Heynckes gave little away regarding his team selection, adding: "I have some possibilities to change things."