Bayer Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt has claimed that his side are capable of registering a positive result during tonight's Champions League group opener away to Chelsea.

The German club are back in the competition for the first time in seven years and despite being wary of the threat posed by the Blues, Dutt is confident that Leverkusen can get the campaign off to a decent start.

"I do think we actually have our chances here, even if it will be fairly difficult. We are looking forward to this match," Dutt told the pre-match press conference.

"Being back in the Champions League is very important for all of us, players, managers and coaches. It is a very high level on the pitch and it reflects positively on the club our being in it.

"We have respect for Chelsea, which is definitely necessary, but we are trying not to have too much. I think we can use our emotions to turn it into a positive energy for ourselves."

Leverkusen reached the final of the Champions League in 2002, losing 2-1 to Real Madrid.