Europa League: Leverkusen’s Bundesliga run not important for Europa League tie – David Moyes says
David Moyes believes West Ham United have what it takes to progress to a third successive European semi-final by becoming the first team to beat German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen this season.
The Hammers head to the BayArena on Thursday night for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Xabi Alonso’s men, who have so-far lost none, and drawn five, of their 41 outings during 2023/24.
Moyes recognizes the challenge ahead of his charges, with Leverkusen currently 16 points in front of second-placed Bayern Munich at the top of their league standings, and into next month’s German Cup final, but he says the German’s domestic run is not important for their European tie.
“Both teams have eleven players, so it’s an even game at the start,” Moyes, whose side sits 7th in the Premier League said, in answering a question from Omasports. “I don’t see anything that’s happened in the league as any real reference. I don’t see the point a bit.
“We know Leverkusen are a very good team, but we believe in our abilities.”