Heidenheim is now very, very important this weekend
League — Express
Leverkusen Keeper Blaswich Calls for Bundesliga Focus After Champions League Exit
Following Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League elimination by Arsenal, goalkeeper Janis Blaswich analyzes the defeat and urges his team to fully concentrate on the Bundesliga campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League dream has come to an end. After a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, goalkeeper Janis Blaswich is clear: the team must now shift its focus entirely to the Bundesliga. Speaking after the match, Blaswich expressed disappointment but offered a measured analysis of the loss. “I think Arsenal were simply a different team today compared to the first leg—more aggressive, more dangerous in front of goal,” the keeper told Express. In the return fixture, the Londoners delivered a significantly improved performance, putting Leverkusen under pressure from the start. Despite Blaswich making several strong saves, it wasn’t enough for Bayer to advance. The goalkeeper kept his side in the game for long stretches, but the offense struggled to break through Arsenal’s solid defense. Now, attention turns forward. For Blaswich, there’s only one priority left: the Bundesliga. “Heidenheim is absolutely crucial this weekend,” emphasized the 32-year-old. Saturday’s away match will serve as a litmus test for the team’s morale. “We have to pick up points there. We need to deliver a performance on the pitch,” Blaswich appealed to his teammates. The disappointment of the Champions League exit must not spill over into league play. Instead, the goalkeeper is calling for full commitment in the battle for European qualification spots. The situation is delicate for Leverkusen. After the emotional setback, the team must quickly regroup. A win in Heidenheim would be important not only for the table position but also psychologically. Blaswich himself put in a convincing performance against Arsenal. Whether he’ll be in goal this weekend remains uncertain. Regardless of personnel decisions, the message is clear: the Bundesliga now takes absolute priority. For Leverkusen fans, this means they can expect a resilient team. The Champions League exit stings, but the season is far from over. The fight for European places continues—and it starts this Saturday in Heidenheim.
