New ENGAGING Headline: Blaswich Stuns as Leverkusen Triumphs in Final Push, Secures Bundesliga Title Post-Champions League Run
Bayer Leverkusen's goalkeeper Janis Blaswich cannot prevent Arsenal's Kai Havertz (right) from scoring from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal FC at BayArena. Anke Waelischmiller/dpa Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich called for his team-mates to go full throttle to finish in the top four in the Bundesliga following their Champions League exit to Arsenal. The keeper was in fine form in London but the Premier League leaders eased to a 2-0 win and 3-1 aggregate success in the last 16.
Leverkusen are sixth in the Bundesliga with their defeat on Tuesday not helping Germany's quest for a fifth Champions League spot next term given UEFA's co-efficients system. The top four is now a big focus with just eight Bundesliga games left. The Werkself trail fourth-placed Stuttgart by five points.
"Heidenheim is now very, very important at the weekend," Blaswich told reporters looking ahead to Saturday's away game at the bottom side. "We simply have to pick up points. We have to put in a performance on the pitch.
" Although Leverkusen are also in the German Cup semi-finals against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich next month, he said the league was now "the most important thing. " Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice scored classy goals in each half for Arsenal as Leverkusen failed to really threaten. "I think Arsenal were simply a different team than in the first leg — more aggressive, more dangerous in front of goal," Blaswich said.
"And we also did not do as well as in the first leg, one has to say. It was certainly a game where I had more to do and could show what I can do. " Whether number two Blaswich stays between the sticks in Heidenheim remains open despite his convincing display against Arsenal.