Schalke stand in Atlético's way

'Difficult task'
"The draw could have gone better for us," was the first reaction of new Schalke coach Fred Rutten upon learning their fate. Chairman Josef Schnusenberg, whose side have reached the group stage twice in the last three years and made the 2007/08 quarter-finals before losing to FC Barcelona, added: "This is a very difficult task, but a big chance as well. We can give ourselves a boost for the whole season. I am very optimistic that we will prevail."

Defensive absences
However, Schalke, who finished third in the last Bundesliga season, are below full-strength, particularly at the back. Rafinha is playing for Brazil at the Olympics, Mladen Krstajić is still missing with a torn thigh muscle and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has a broken foot. Meanwhile, midfielder Albert Streit – following a similar injury to the one that befell Krstajić – plus Peter Løvenkrands and Gustavo Varela have only just returned to training after their own lay-offs.

Kuranyi fit
Better news comes up front, as although Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi seemed to have twisted his ankle during the 3-0 German Cup win at fifth division FC 08 Homburg last weekend, he in fact only suffered a minor problem and is fit. He will partner summer arrival Jefferson Farfán in attack, and Rutten knows goals are vital at the Arena AufSchalke. "Atlético have a good team and we have to try to get a good result in our home match," he said.

Caution
Atlético have not competed in the group stage since 1996/97, an absence they hope to end on home soil in a fortnight, although defender Luis Perea is wary of the challenge posed by their opponents. "We know we're coming up against a very strong team," the Colombian said. "From what we've seen and heard, Schalke when playing at home are solid, secure and they attack a lot. We must be organised and sensible while looking to profit from whatever chances we manage to create. If we can take a slight advantage going into the second leg we know that in front of our own supporters we can finish off the job."

New faces
New signings Grégory Coupet, Tomáš Ujfaluši, John Heitinga, Florent Sinama Pongolle and Paulo Assunção are all available while midfielder Thiago Motta is out with a knee injury and striker Sergio Agüero is suspended, although he is representing Argentina in China in any case. The 29-year-old Perea, in his fifth season with Atlético, believes the time is now right for the Colchoneros to return to Europe's highest club stage. "Everybody knows we haven't been in the UEFA Champions League for a very long time so we don't want to let this opportunity pass us by," he said. "This is the moment for us to be among the best."