Zanka: Lions are ready for Leverkusen

FC Copenhagen’s Mathias Zanka and Danny Amankwaa are optimistic ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League playoff first leg against Bayer Leverkusen in Telia Parken.

Zanka, 24, missed Friday’s Superliga clash with Midtjylland through suspension, but is confident FCK can earn a strong result to take with them to Leverkusen next week.

- If we play like we played at home against Dnipro, I definitely think we have a chance. I believe in it. For what chances did they create throughout the match? But a good result requires that we are focused and play with discipline, he said.

- I think our squad is strong mentally. We have a lot of players who are hungry to play such a big game. In Europe we’ve had a really good understanding of how these games must be played. We thrive on the nerves of our opponents.

- Ideally I'd really like to win 8-0. But it's probably not that realistic. A good starting point before the return game will be if we earn a victory and keep a clean sheet. It would be perfect for us.

Amankwaa, meanwhile, is hoping the Lions will pose a major attacking threat in Telia Parken before the return leg in Germany.

- It will be a great experience to play such a big game at home in front of so many fans, he said.

- We have prepared well for the game over the past few days, which is good because I knew little about Leverkusen before. They are a top team in one of the best leagues in the world, so that means they will be a tough match.

Tuesday’s clash kicks off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) and tickets are still available online.