Jimmy Calderwood thought it was a poor penalty to concede

"It's all about pride and we certainly were not disgraced," he told BBC Sport.

"We were missing a lot of players for a game at this level, but I was very proud of them - and hopefully the supporters are proud of their team."

The Dons sit bottom of their group and he said: "If Atletico do us a favour in Copenhagen next week, there's still a chance, but it's very difficult."

Interview: Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood

Calderwood explained that a couple of players had been unable to start the Group B game because of illness.

And he was frustrated to lose Jackie McNamara and Jamie Smith to injury before Atletico took the lead seconds before half-time.

If Chris had scored with 10 minutes to go, the bugles would definitely have been out Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood

Calderwood also lamented the penalty conceded by Michael Hart for the first goal and the free-kick that went in off goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.

"A minute before half-time was a crucial moment," he said.

"I don't think Michael should have taken that chance.

"Another free-kick in the second half has done it. There was nothing Jamie could do about it.

"It was a wonderful free-kick, but the ball hit the back of his head and went in."

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The Dons had some late chances, with Chris Clark going close.

"We were very compact at the start but wanted to open it up in the last 20 minutes and never got the chance," said Calderwood.

"If Chris had scored with 10 minutes to go, the bugles would definitely have been out."