ZOUMA: WE CAN END BAYER'S UNBEATEN RUN

SKIPPER BACKING HIS SIDE AGAINST GERMANS AS HE DREAMS OF EMULATING RICE BY LIFTING EURO TROPHY

- Malik Ouzia

KURT ZOUMA insists West Ham can end Bayer Leverkusen's long unbeaten run tonight-and admits he is already dreaming of emulating Declan Rice by lifting European silverware as captain.

David Moyes's men are in Germany for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final and face a daunting task against a team who, under Xabi Alonso, have not lost in 41 matches across all competitions this term.

The Hammers have developed significant pedigree on the continent with their success in recent years and are looking to reach a third European semi-final in as many seasons, but Zouma agrees tonight's tie at the BayArena may just be their toughest assignment yet.

"Yeah, it could be," the centre-back said. "They haven't lost for 41 games, but it's also a challenge for us, because we know how well they've played this season.

"It's going to be a good game, a tough game, but we're still confident we can do something.