Bayer Manager Michael Skibbe will be happy with the result, but will not be happy with the away goal the team conceded which may still give their opponents some hope of progressing to the groups stages of the UEFA Cup.

Bayer Leverkusen had their nerves settled when their striker Stefan Kiessling scored in the 19^th minute at the Bayarena. Their Portuguese opponents were not about to lie down and suffer a drubbing though and found themselves back on level terms on 29 when their own striker Joao Paulo got himself on the score sheet to draw his team back on level terms.

Their celebrations were to be short lived though as Bayer Leverkusen showed their class to score again through Simon Rolfes on 33 to take a 2-1 lead into the break. Uniao Leiria manager Paulo Duarte made changes soon after the start of the second half and tried a more attacking formation but to little effect as Stefan Kiessling scored his second of the game to give the home side a 3-1 advantage which they never looked in danger of losing. Although the German side have the advantage they will be aware that if the Portuguese side were to score early then this would lead to a great deal of pressure and so should line up for the second leg in an attacking formation to finish the tie off early.

The qualification into the group stages of the UEFA competition is a huge reward for both teams and with the game still being there to be won by both teams it should make for a very entertaining live football match.