Dusseldorf - Bayer Leverkusen will play their home games in the second half of the Bundesliga season in nearby Dusseldorf but don't see it as a major setback.

"Of course it is a handicap. But I believe we will feel at home there quickly," said Leverkusen managing director Wolfgang Holzhaeuser on Monday.

Leverkusen's BayArena is being extended from its current 22,500 to 30,000 seats until July 2009 which is forcing the team to move out from January onwards. Bayer will play in Dusseldorf's 50,000-seat LTU Arena.

Leverkusen currently lie second in the Bundesliga, one point behind surprise leaders TSG Hoffenheim, who themselves are playing their home games in Mannheim because their new stadium in Sinsheim won't be completed until January. (dpa)