Nainggolan: We have to be more focused

After letting a 4-2 lead slip in the first tie in Germany, Roma again gave up a two-goal advantage against the team from the Bundesliga before a dramatic 80th minute penalty wrapped up three vital points.

"It's no exaggeration to say we could have led 5-0 at half-time,” claimed the Belgian international midfielder. “Today we made the mistake of coming out of the dressing room thinking we had the game sewn up and Leverkusen made the most of that spell in which we were a bit listless on the pitch. “Then, with the scoreline at 2-2, we were able to secure a win at all costs, the only result we could afford tonight. Despite it only being 3-2, we deserved it."

What was the best moment of the match - the reaction by scoring the third?

“We have to focus more on our negative spell. We always score but we can't afford to let the opposition score every time they create a half-chance. We need to be more switched on and put a bit more in because there are no easy moments in games like these.”

How do you explain these lapses?

“You go into the dressing room with a smile on your face and when you come back out you feel strong mentally and only play to half the level you did in the first period. We knew we were on top but we were playing a great team. They play a high line and have match winners up front.”