Bayer Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes has set his sights on UEFA Europa League glory after his goal steered the Bundesliga club towards a 6-0 aggregate victory over Metalist Kharkiv.
The 29-year-old midfielder and Michael Ballack were on target in a 2-0 win at the BayArena last night as the hosts eased into the last 16, where they will now face Spanish outfit Villarreal, and Rolfes believes they have what it takes to go all the way.
"Of course we have a tough draw, but I always look forward to games against top clubs because we too are a top club," he said. "We can beat anybody and then in the end, maybe we can finish on top."
Of course we have a tough draw, but I always look forward to games against top clubs. We can beat anybody and then in the end, maybe we can finish on top.
Simon Rolfes of Bayer Leverkusen on facing Villarreal
Rolfes is also relieved that Bayer will not have to brave the freezing temperatures they faced in the Ukraine a week ago.

"The main thing is we are heading south, where it is warm," he said. "It was incredibly cold in Kharkiv."
Heynckes laments missed chancesMeantime Bayer coach Jupp Heynckes, who was critical of his side's finishing, says the competition will now get interesting.

"The Europa League season starts now," he said. "Kharkiv could not handle us in the two legs and we could even have scored more goals.
"I am definitely critical of our conversion rate today. We should not be wasting chances so easily, especially not the young players."