Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes remains optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League despite a 3-2 defeat at home to Villarreal last night.

A goal in stoppage time from Nilmar earned the Spaniards a priceless away win in the first leg which puts them in the driving seat in the tie, but Heynckes has not given up hope of turning things around next week.

"Why should we not score two goals there?" he asked. "We are strong away from home and we travel to Villarreal with the aim of overturning this result.

We are strong away from home and we travel to Villarreal with the aim of overturning this result.
Jupp Heynckes, Bayer Leverkusen coach

"My team played a fantastic game, but Villarreal were just more effective. When you lose possession unnecessarily against such an opponent, then you will be punished.

"But we were superior, we were dominant and we had more shots and more possession, but such is football."

Striker Stefan Kiessling was equally frustrated that Bayer did not leave the field with a comfortable advantage to take with them to Spain next Thursday.

"I am just annoyed because it should not be allowed to happen that they score three goals from three chances," he said.