Bayer Leverkusen coach Michael Skibbe admits that his side were somewhat fortunate to qualify for the next round of the Uefa Cup after defending their 3-2 first-leg lead with a goalless draw at Blackburn.
Mark Hughes' team were in clear command at Ewood Park, but failed to break the deadlock against spirited and defiant opposition.
"Towards the end the pressure grew minute by minute and we could be happy that we managed to run down the clock with the score still 0-0," Skibbe told the German media.
"On several occasions we stood too deep and were not determined enough when we had the chance to go forward, but everyone gave his best in defence.
"Tactically we played very well and all the players did a great deal of running and fighting. That’s why we deserved to get a draw."
Leverkusen chairman Wolfgang Holzhauser was equally pleased with the outcome.
"It was a wonderful fight and the fact that we made it among the best 16 teams is good for our image. Especially because nobody expected this from us given our difficult domestic season,” said Holzhauser.
Leverkusen's next Uefa Cup opponents are French outfit Lens.
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