The Bayer Leverkusen boss thought his side were worthy of greater reward than their Champions League exit on penalties against Atletico Madrid
Roger Schmidt says it is a shame his Bayer Leverkusen team did not get the reward for their efforts as they were eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish champions progressed to the quarter-finals after a 3-2 penalty shootout win after Mario Suarez's goal had ensured a 1-1 aggregate result.
But Leverkusen coach Schmidt later lauded his players for their performance, and claimed that home advantage had told in the spot-kick contest.
"I think it was a remarkable achievement to take Atletico to penalties in the first place," the 48-year-old toldSky Deutschland.
"It is a shame that the team didn't get the rewards they deserved as we gave them a big, big fight.
"Penalties are always a little bit about nerves. You need to have some experience. It is also a little easier at home when you are cheered on and not booed."
Leverkusen will be looking for a return to winning ways on Saturday in the Bundesliga against Schalke, over whom they have a three-point advantage in the race for the fourth Champions League qualification position
