As low as eighth place in the English Premier League and having a 2-0 loss in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final differ from the results West Ham hoped for. However, the Hammers still need to recreate some of last season’s form, failing to find the back of the net in the most crucial game of the season so far at Leverkusen.Two goals conceded late have put the Londoners in a challenging situation ahead of tonight’s return leg against Xabi Alonso’s side.UEL: Hammers feel the strength of Xabi’s ruthless machine as Boniface scores upon returnStill, West Ham boss David Moyes remains optimistic about his team’s chance. He is not ready to write off the tie ahead of Thursday’s second leg at the London Stadium.”There is a 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.##NAJAVA_MECA_8039104##”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,” said Moyes.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUEQuarterfinals – second legThursday22:00: (4.80) Atalanta (3.90) Liverpool (1.70)22:00: (3.80) West Ham (3.60) Leverkusen (2.05)22:00: (2.45) Olympique Marseille (3.50) Benfica (3.00)22:00: (3.00) Roma (3.45) Milan (2.50)***odds are subject to change***
