Leverkusen determination pleases Hyypiä

Sami Hyypiä, Leverkusen coach
We played well in the opening phase of the match. We created gaps that we could play into and had a few situations where we could have scored. We knew Real Sociedad are a team that like to execute counterattacks and that have a certain quality in doing so, but we kept our balance in the first half. Obviously the timing of our [first] goal was perfect, just before half-time.

We talked at half-time about the things we needed to improve. Sociedad were a bit more aggressive in the second period and our game wasn't at the same level as in the first. I also had the feeling we were a bit tired throughout the second half.

We didn't keep possession as well. We were pushed back into defence and our balance wasn't there any more. Sociedad had a lot of counterattacking opportunities and certainly had chances to score a second goal.

At the end we had a free-kick and got the winner from it. It's fantastic and I'm very happy that we managed to secure three very important points. We showed real character towards the end.

Jagoba Arrasate, La Real coach
We put in a good performance, but the second goal was a big blow. We have done the right things, but we have no points from two matches and that is what counts. We have the feeling we deserved more. Leverkusen are a very physical team and that is why we played with three in midfield.

We did everything to get the win, so we are not happy with the result. We must take the positives from this and now we have to think about the Rayo Vallecano match in the Liga. We were the better team against Shakhtar and also tonight, and that's what we will try to do at Old Trafford [on matchday three].