"We briefly lost our composure" – Hoeneß on first-half blips in Porto loss | OneFootball

Despite suffering a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Porto this evening, VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß was magnanimous in defeat and praised his side's gallant effort. 

“First of all, congratulations to FC Porto on their victory in the first leg. We started the game very well, had good energy, and created a lot of chances in the opponent's half," he said in the mixed zone afterwards.

"Unfortunately, the momentum shifted to the opposition after Porto hit the crossbar – so what frustrates us is the eight to ten minutes in which we briefly lost our composure and the ball too easily.

"After that, the lads quickly regrouped, came back, scored the equalizer, and really gave Porto a run for their money for a long stretch. 

“Therefore, despite the defeat, I want to compliment my team on a very courageous performance – and it was only the first of two matches in the round of 16,” he added.

Before the Swabian club can look ahead to next Thursday's second-leg in Portugal, focus will turn back to domestic action and Sunday's highly anticipated clash with RB Leipzig.