Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Schmidt remains confident of Leverkusen progression

Bayer Leverkusen trails Lazio 1-0 heading into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt still fancies his team's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage, despite Tuesday's first-leg loss in Rome.

Lazio holds a slender advantage in the playoff thanks to second-half substitute Balde Keita, who came off the bench and netted the match-winning goal in the 77th minute at Stadio Olimpico.

Leverkusen had its chances in the Italian capital after Lars Bender rattled the post with a powerful effort from distance in the first half, while teammates Hakan Calhanoglu and Admir Mehmedi both came close to finding the back of the net.