Berbatov relishing Leverkusen return

LEVERKUSEN, Germany - Veteran Monaco striker Dimitar Berbatov hopes to frustrate former club Bayer Leverkusen in their bid to reach the Champions League's knock-out phase in Wednesday's clash.

With a four-point lead at the top of Group C, Roger Schmidt's Leverkusen are in pole position to reach the last-16.

A point for the hosts will put them in the knock-out phase, but ex-Bulgaria international Berbatov hopes second-placed Monaco can make life difficult for the hosts in what he expects will be a tough game.

Leverkusen are looking to avenge their 1-0 opening day defeat away at Monaco last September when Portugal's Joao Moutinho netted the winner.

The German league side have won all three games since, defeating Zenit Saint Petersburg both home (2-0) and away (2-1), while bottom side Benfica were also beaten 3-1 at the BayArena.

Monaco have struggled in their last three games, having been held to goalless draws both at Zenit, then at home to Benfica, before losing 1-0 to the group's bottom side in Portugal.

Berbatov, who has recovered from a groin injury, says they must improve.

"Just a goal may be enough to make us happy," said the 33-year-old in Tuesday's press conference.

"We won (in September), but it was difficult, they had a lot of chances, but did not finish them while we took our chance.

"Hopefully we won't make the same mistakes we have in the other matches and if we can correct them, I think we can get something here. We still want to qualify."

Having played for Leverkusen from 2001-2006 before playing for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the Premier League, Berbatov said he was pleased to be back at Bayer.

"I came here with Tottenham and now with Monaco," said Berbatov.

"For me, it's like coming home, I had a great time here and I'm glad to see the progress they have made.

"I regularly watch their games."