David Moyes makes West Ham Europe claim despite Bayer Leverkusen defeat

West Ham boss David Moyes remains optimistic about his team's chances of qualifying for Europe next season, despite a 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

The Hammers' dreams of reaching the Champions League by winning the Europa League seem distant after falling to the Bundesliga outfit who remain unbeaten. However, Moyes is not ready to write off the tie ahead of the second leg at the London Stadium on Thursday.

Meanwhile, West Ham will host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, with European qualification still very much within their grasp. Despite defending solidly for 83 minutes, the defeat in Germany was a bitter pill to swallow as they conceded two late goals.

«There is huge disappointment» admitted Moyes. «But we're incredibly proud of the players to be in a quarter-final of European football.

»The level they're playing against, you'll see this team (Leverkusen) in the Champions League next season. We've got to accept that. It was one of the toughest draws of the teams left, that is the way it goes.

«We've got a big chance in the second leg still and we have to pick ourselves up for the league. We have to find a way of being strong and solid and hopefully we can get everybody behind the players and give them the support they're going to need on Sunday.»

Jarrod Bowen's hip injury will not be risked against Fulham, with hopes he will be fit for Thursday's match. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and midfielder Kalvin Phillips are all doubts due to injuries.

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