Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand backs his side to cause an upset and beat Arsenal in their Champions League clash at the Emirates tonight.
The tie is finely poised at 1-1 after Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute penalty cancelled out Robert Andrich’s opener in the first leg. Hjulmand is confident that Leverkusen’s hunger can make the difference. “We expect a very close game,” he said. “In the first leg, we didn’t give them much of a chance. We’ll try to be just as dominant this time.
“We’re confident we can win here and advance in this competition. Let’s show who we are.”
Leverkusen come into the match on the back of a draw with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. Despite the odds being against them – Bayer have lost eight of their 11 away games against English sides in Europe – Hjulmand insists his team can compete. “We weren’t satisfied after Arsenal, and we weren’t satisfied after Bayern. This hunger sets a benchmark for our level,” he added.
Midfielder Exequiel Palacios echoed his manager’s optimism. “It will be a different game, but we have belief in ourselves and our game,” Palacios said. “I always try to contribute with my passion and energy so we, as a team, keep progressing.”
Leverkusen have shown they can handle top opposition away from home, defeating both Benfica and Manchester City in the group stage. Yet Arsenal remain formidable, having progressed from 17 of their 20 two-legged knockout ties in major European competition, and winning 13 of their 16 Champions League home games under Mikel Arteta.
Team news sees Alex Grimaldo back in Leverkusen’s starting lineup after suspension, while Martin Terrier is a doubt after a heavy challenge against Bayern. Arsenal may be without Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Merino remain sidelined.
Hjulmand is relishing the challenge. “We love away games like this. There are very few moments when you can take advantage of that energy in the stadium, and we have to be there. We try to be as dominant as possible.”
