Roger Schmidt said Bayer Leverkusen’s European experience was pivotal against Lazio in the Champions League play-off.
The Italians had won the first leg 1-0, but were swept aside 3-0 at the BayArena.
“We are happy after this long wait to have snatched our ticket for the Champions League,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Roger Schmidt said Bayer Leverkusen’s European experience was pivotal against Lazio in the Champions League play-off.
The Italians had won the first leg 1-0, but were swept aside 3-0 at the BayArena.
“We are happy after this long wait to have snatched our ticket for the Champions League,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We saw tonight what this competition means for the lads. We scored in the important moments of the match and also played our style of football by fighting hard with a very high pressing. The qualification was deserved.
“It was a big challenge, but we were able to show the same quality as last season against a difficult team. We did it because we focused on the essentials of our football.
“It was important to go in front just before half-time. Our objective was to play this game without getting too tense or hasty. Our experience really showed.
“I think Lazio did very well in the first leg, but we weren’t bad either and knew we could show more intensity in the home leg.
“We are more accustomed to this tempo, whereas Lazio were not. Lazio remain a very good side. This qualification is down to our merit, not their faults.
“Our celebrations were so strong because we got into the Champions League, but with a bit of relief too.”