Last chance for Europe?
After a few disappointing results in the Bundesliga, Thursday's UEFA Cup match at Blackburn Rovers has become even more important for Leverkusen.
For Bayer 04 Leverkusen, it could well be the last glamorous night in Europe for a while. Rudi Völler, however, is having none of it.
Völler: "We have a chance"
"We have a chance and a lot to make up for in Blackburn. We showed in the first leg that we are able to compete", Bayer's sporting director said ahead of the third round second leg match at Blackburn Rovers on Thursday (19:00 CET).
Bayer's 3-2 advantage from the first leg is a narrow one. Especially the second goal for Blackburn late on still hurts, but Bayer head coach Michael Skibbe remains upbeat.
Good performance in the first leg
"A 3-1 would have been better, but we still travel to England strengthened. We showed in the first leg that we are able to compete in Europe."
Indeed Bayer showed one of their best performances this season despite carelessly missing out on a higher victory against the English Champions of 1995.
Things were a bit different in the Bundesliga lately. After a 1-0 home defeat against Hanover, Leverkusen are seven points away from 1. FC Nürnberg and a place in Europe.
Four matches without a win
That's why Skibbe is having none of the former goal "direct qualification for Europe" at the moment. "We need to stabilise the team first", the Bayer head coach said after four successive matches without a win.
"It's important that we stop to invite our opponents to score. Then we'll have a chance in Blackburn", skipper Carsten Ramelow stressed after Bayer conceded twelve goals in their last six competitive matches.
Three returning for Bayer
High hopes are pinned on Juan. The Brazilian international has recovered from a torn muscle and will play at the centre of defence alongside Karim Haggui.
Jörg Butt and Paul Freier, both suspended against Hanover, return as well, giving Skibbe the opportunity to field his strongest eleven (long-term injury victim Roque Junior aside).
That boost couldn't come at a better time. After the Blackburn match Bayer face leaders Schalke and then second-placed Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Two more defeats could leave Bayer stranded in midfield.
Peter: "We're very strong at home"
For the moment, though, all eyes are on Blackburn. Rovers are still involved in three competitions after holding Arsenal FC to a goalless draw in the FA Cup.
"The second leg will be differently from the game in Leverkusen. We're very strong at home", said Rover's German Sergio Peter, who came on as a substitute in the first leg.
Line-ups as expected:
Blackburn: Friedel - Emerton, Henchoz, Nelsen, Warnock - Pedersen, Bentley, Tugay, Dunn - McCarthy, Nonda.
Leverkusen: Butt - Castro, Juan, Haggui, Babic - Ramelow, Rolfes - Freier, Schneider - Barbarez (Voronin) - Kießling.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spanien)
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