The Germans were humiliated after losing 4-0 at home in the first encounter, they however managed to score first in the return clash at Parc des Princes but still lost 2-1.
Rolfes lauded his charges for their response in Paris despite being having a slim chance of progressing after conceding four away goals.
"We had a good character test. We could have gone in front, but unfortunately I missed the penalty," the 32-year-old midfielder told Sky Sports Germany immediately after the match.
"We did better today and we were compact. We wanted to earn something for our good performance, but that's football.
"Today we played with more aggression, we should take this to the Bundesliga to be successful again," he added.
Leverkusen's next match is a league encounter away against leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday evening.
