Simon Rolfes: 'Bayer Leverkusen did not take enough risks'

Bayer Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes has claimed that a more positive approach may have given them a better chance in the Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.

Mario Suarez scored the only goal of the game to take the last-16 tie to penalties, and after suffering disappointment in the shootout, Rolfes admits that he was frustrated by Bayer's performance.

"Overall, they were the more active team and we were not so confident from the first minute," the 33-year-old told Sky Deutschland.

"If we had scored here, it would have been incredibly difficult for Atletico but we did not manage to do that and that was how it was for a major part of the match.

"Atletico pressured us. When we had possession we were never able to increase the speed of our play. They played long balls and were able to keep them better, meaning the match was often in our half."

Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt refused to be critical of his side's display when reflecting on the disappointment.