Bayer 04 Leverkusen may already have qualified from UEFA Champions League Group E, but midfielder Sidney Sam insists they will not be taking matchday six opponents KRC Genk lightly.

Manuel Friedrich's added-time winner against Chelsea FC a fortnight ago ensured Leverkusen's progress to the round of 16. Still only a point clear of the Blues at the section summit, though, there remains the carrot of first place to play for. Standing between Robin Dutt's team and that honour are Genk, who they beat 2-0 at home on matchday two.

"In Genk, it is something different again, a different atmosphere," said Sam, a starter in all five group games to date. "The crowd is different. It is difficult to play there in Belgium. These are finals now and you have to be professional for all these games and try to win them."