Voller: Leverkusen need luck against Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller admits they face an uphill struggle when they clash with Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Bundesliga side were paired with the defending champions in Friday’s round-of-16 draw in Nyon, Switzerland, and, according to the 51-year-old, will need luck on their side if they are to stand a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.

“We’re clear outsiders,” Voller said. “But we have a spark of hope.”

“We have to play dream football twice and Barcelona have to have bad days. But we won’t hide, otherwise we might as well not turn up.”

CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser echoed Voller’s sentiments, and feels that even if his side lose, the tie will be enjoyable.

“Well the anticipation is bigger than the frustration. It will be nice, for sure,” he said.

The first leg of the tie will be played on a to-be-determined date, either February 14 or 15, at Leverkusen’s BayArena.