Hoping for a miracle

Ahead of their round of 16 match against FC Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen's coach Robin Dutt was prepared to crack at least one joke.

"I will be happy with a clear 5-0 win," he said at the official press conference on Monday, the day before the game.

But he was willing to be serious too. "The result isn't the most important thing. It would be nice if we still have a chance when we play the return leg."

Although Dutt seemed a bit reluctant to suggest a footballing miracle, he was prepared to say that "you never know" what might happen in Tuesday's game.

There is a mixture of worry and excitement in Leverkusen ahead of the fixture. Barcelona have a star-studded lineup, including the likes of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and world footballer of the year, Lionel Messi.

"We are playing against the best team in the world, better even than the Spanish national team," said Leverkusen club boss Wolfgang Holzhäuser.

"The way they play football fascinates everyone," said captain Simon Rolfes. "It's not only attractive, it will be a challenge for us. And, as with any challenge, you have to stand up and fight."

Leverkusen's form slump

In the group phase of the Champions League competition, Leverkusen won all three home games, including a 2-1 over Premier League side Chelsea. But, domestically, the side is struggling.

Last year's Bundesliga runners-up lost last weekend to Dortmund, and are now back in sixth place. Against Barca, Leverkusen will also be missing one of their most experienced players, Michael Ballack, out with a calf injury.

There is a glimmer of hope, though. Barcelona themselves lost their last Primera División game against Osasuna, 3-2. But the result can partially be explained by the coach resting Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas for the game. It seems the famous club is not too worried about winning the Spanish championship, now that Real Madrid are 10 points ahead on the table.

Bayern against Basel

Bayern Munich will continue their Champions League campaign next week on Wednesday. They are up against FC Basel in their round of 16 match and are solid favorites.

But the Swiss champions did manage a 2-1 upset of Manchester United in the group phase and are capable opponents. German coach Heiko Vogel has been in charge at the club since October, after Thorsten Fink moved to Bundesliga side Hamburg.

In the Europa League, Bundesliga sides Hanover and Schalke will be in action on Thursday in the knockout stage. Schalke play away at Viktoria Plzen, who are currently placed third in the Czech league. Hanover is host to Club Brugge, a team now coached by former Bundesliga big name Christoph Daum.

Author: Arnulf Boettcher / al (sid,dpa)
Editor: Martin Kuebler