Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that his side were fairly beaten by Benfica, who knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League play-offs on Wednesday night.

The Turkish giants lost 1-0 on aggregate after a goalless first leg and a narrow defeat in the second leg, meaning they will now drop into the Europa League this season.

Speaking after the game, Mourinho accepted the outcome, saying Benfica’s experience and quality gave them the edge.

“It is a club that knows this type of game, and obviously there is sadness in not being able to do it. But for me, I am aware that we lost against a team that is better than us,” Mourinho told reporters.

The Portuguese tactician also pointed out that Fenerbahce had created opportunities to score but their chances ended after they were reduced to 10 men.

“We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over. But I think overall, the better team went through,” he added.

With Benfica now heading to the Champions League group stage, Mourinho and his Fenerbahce team will turn their focus to making a deep run in the Europa League.