Fulham manager Roy Hodgson refused to write off his side's chances of qualifying for the last eight of the Europa League but admits it will be tough after they were brushed aside 3-1 by Juventus in Turin.
The Cottagers, who were on a nine-match unbeaten run before the game, were by far second best in the last-16 tie against one of European football's heavyweights.
Juventus were firmly in charge for most of the match and went 2-0 up within 30 minutes thanks to a powerful header from Nicola Legrottaglie and a solo effort by Jonathan Zebina.
Dickson Etuhu raised hopes for the 1,100 travelling Fulham fans when he fired past an off-balance Alex Manninger but the Cottagers were consigned to defeat with a well-taken goal by the excellent David Trezeguet just before half-time.
Etuhu's away goal gives the Barclays Premier League side a glimmer of hope though, but Hodgson admits Juve's third goal puts them in the driving seat.
"Well, I would've had said (we had a good chance) if we would have come in at half time without conceding that third goal and we would have played the second half as we did, then I would have thought that our chances (of progressing) would have been very good," said Hodgson, who was returning to the country where he managed Inter Milan and Udinese in the 1990s.
"But now they have worsened because of that third goal, because for us to score two goals at home and not concede is going to be a very difficult task."
"There's no doubt we weren't favourites before tonight's game and we are even less favourites at 1-3 for the second leg but it will be an exciting second leg for us and for our public.
"I've certainly seen stranger things happen in my career so the players, I'm sure, will be looking forward to trying to turn the game around and I am sure that they will be doing their very best to do that."
Fulham face league leaders Manchester United on Sunday before hosting Juve in the second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday.
"We certainly weren't disgraced in any way here today," he added.
"It will be a sold-out tie at home so that will create an atmosphere. We will see what happens."
Trezeguet had been a thorn in Fulham's side all night but the Cottagers defence was slow to react when he slotted home the rebound from his original shot which came back off the woodwork.
Hodgson admits the third goal was "a bitter pill to swallow" but was still proud of his side's performance.
The 62-year-old said: "'The bitter pill to swallow and the bitter pill we're going to be carrying for the next week is that third goal, which I thought was very unnecessary.
"We had possession of the ball in their half and there was one minute left to play and I think we should have come in at 2-1."
Alberto Zaccheroni had the pleasure of resting players like Alessandro Del Piero from his starting XI which still included World Cup winners Fabio Grosso and Fabio Cannavaro.
Fulham's home record is far superior to their efforts away from home this term, which has caused Zaccheroni to admit his side still have a lot of work to do to progress.
"I'm quite satisfied with the result tonight but to be honest, I hoped to get something more out of the game, I think we could have scored more," he said.
"It's not a good thing to concede an away goal at home and it will be difficult in the second leg because Fulham usually give their best at home so we have to watch out and be very careful."