by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen will go into the second leg of its Champions League tie against Arsenal as the underdog, sporting director Simon Rolfes said, but believes the German side is capable of pulling off a surprise.
Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the first leg, with the Premier League side equalizing late through a disputed penalty converted by former Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz.
Despite Arsenal's status as favorite, Rolfes said Leverkusen had shown in the first leg and in recent matches against top opposition that it could compete at that level.
"It's a challenge, no doubt, but lately we have been through two games against top European sides, Arsenal and Bayern, and had the feeling we could have achieved more," said the former Germany international.
Rolfes said Leverkusen had made important progress following a squad rebuild last summer and was moving toward becoming competitive again at the highest level.
"We are on a promising path, but it takes time, just like in 2024," he said, referring to the club's first German title under coach Xabi Alonso.
Chief executive Fernando Carro said the club's aim was to win another Bundesliga title within the next three years.
Rolfes said expectations around the club had shifted since its 2023-24 league triumph.
"All this talking about the everlasting second has disappeared, new shores are in our mind," he said.
Leverkusen, which finished runner-up on several occasions before winning the Bundesliga for the first time, is seeking to reach the Champions League quarterfinals for only the third time after 1998 and 2002.
Rolfes said financial limits meant Leverkusen could not build a title-winning squad simply by spending heavily in the transfer market.
"We can't just go shopping, selecting a title team with a lot of money," he said.
He also praised Havertz's development at Leverkusen, calling the Arsenal striker a model for young players after he rose through the ranks before joining Chelsea in 2020 and Arsenal in 2023.
Rolfes said signing promising players such as Nathan Tella, who spent time in Arsenal's youth system, reflected Leverkusen's long-term approach.
Tella said he was looking forward to returning to familiar surroundings.
"I grew up here, saw all the games, and am thankful to Arsenal for having provided a profound education," the 26-year-old said.
Rolfes said Leverkusen had already shown enough in the first leg to believe an upset was possible.
"It's us staying focused for 90 minutes, and Arsenal having a bad day," he said. "The first leg proved our newly gained energy." ■
