Hernanes wants more spirited Lazio displays

By FOX Sports staff

The Biancocelesti currently have one foot in the quarter-finals of the competition after goals from Ederson and Ogenyi Onazi handed them a two-goal aggregate lead at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Although Lazio have struggled for consistency at times this season, and are currently fourth in Serie A behind leaders Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan, Hernanes believes they have what it takes to beat anyone if they can match the desire and commitment shown on Thursday evening.

"It was a great performance and we had a few chances to finish things off and make it 3-0, but we didn't take them," he said on UEFA's official website.

"When we have this kind of spirit, then we can beat anybody.

"The season's long with many games to play and we had some important players out and that does have an impact. In the end, though, we have such a strong squad that I don't think anybody is irreplaceable."

Ederson, who opened the scoring with his side's first real chance when he smartly turned his opponent before lashing home a left-footed strike, was also delighted to repay the faith coach Vladimir Petkovic had shown in him, and hopes the Biancocelesti will be able to finish the job at home in the second leg.

"The coach put his faith in me and my team-mates helped me too," he said. "We played really well and we're delighted to come here and get such a result.

"We've taken a huge step towards qualifying and we now need to carry on like this in the second leg.

"I'm always available for selection and I really want to help the side, like we all do. We're in this competition, which is a beautiful competition, and then we have the league and we don't want to give up on that either."

Lazio are next in action on Sunday when they entertain Fiorentina in the league.