Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic is convinced they lost their Champions League tie against Roma in the first-leg in Italy.

Like in Rome, last night Real were beaten 2-1 by Roma, but Mijatovic argued: "The elimination was caused by what happened in the first-leg. Over there we played a great game and should have won. Yes, we paid for not taking our chances in the away leg.

"Real showed tremendous desire to win tonight, but it wasn't to be. After we equalised, we had two good chances to take the lead. But Roma are a powerful team and at key moments were better than us.

"Roma, despite being an Italian team and defensive, showed great quality on the ball."

Mijatovic added: "This season's elimination hurts more than last time because I believe this team had the potential to do more in this competition. But the side is still in transition and must continue working."