Kasper Hjulmand was unimpressed by Bayer Leverkusen's performance in their goalless Champions League draw with Olympiacos.

Tuesday's result at BayArena was enough to see Leverkusen through to the last 16, following their 2-0 win in the first leg of the play-off tie.

It means they have reached the last 16 in consecutive campaigns in the competition for the first time since 2014-15.

Leverkusen just about shaded the chances in a cagey contest, with both teams combining for only 14 shots (seven each) and just two on target (one each).

Bayern Munich or Arsenal wait in the next round, and Hjulmand knows his team must step up their levels.

"We are delighted to be through to the last 16. But the game and our performance weren't good enough," he said, as quoted by UEFA.com.

"From the 25th minute onwards, Olympiacos sensed they could make something happen up front.

"Our plan wasn't to defend a lot in this game, but we had to and we did it well. We perhaps lacked a little energy, which we now need to recharge."

Leverkusen failed to find the back of the net at home in European competition for only the second time in their last 16 games, having previously done so against Bayern in the last 16 in 2024-25.

While a reunion with their Bundesliga rivals or Premier League leaders Arsenal may be a daunting prospect, Hjulmand is relishing a chance to go up against the best Europe has to offer.

"The choice between Bayern and Arsenal is great – they are two of the best teams in Europe," he said.

"It has taken Arsenal years to get to the point where they are now and I don't need to say anything about Bayern here in Germany. They are two huge tasks, but we want to have a huge task."

Jarell Quansah made his ninth start for Leverkusen in the Champions League, with only five English players making more for German sides in the competition (Owen Hargreaves 33, Harry Kane 32, Jadon Sancho 23, Jude Bellingham 21, Jamie Gittens 13).

"First and foremost, we are naturally delighted to have reached the last 16 – and it didn't involve any more work than expected," said the former Liverpool defender.

"We knew Olympiacos were very strong and that we would have to compete for everything again. That's how it turned out. Now we face one of the two best teams in Europe: Bayern or Arsenal."