Both Stuttgart's coach and player hoped for more than a draw, but they could take some satisfaction from a strong performance against tricky Spanish opposition.

Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images.

Sebastian Hoeneß displayed mixed emotions as he digested VfB Stuttgart's performance after their 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid tonight.

“I am proud of the performance of the team. Our first half was incredible,” Hoeneß said in the mixed zone with UEFA.tv at full-time. 

“We showed character, and to be honest, a two-goal lead would have been possible with the [first-half] chances we made,” he added.

“The goal [we conceded] after 90 seconds in the second half was too fast, then the game looked a bit more open. 

“After the red card it was a game on, one goal, and we had some chances to win, that's why there is some disappointment," he summarized.

Man of the match Chris Führich echoed his coach, claiming he was “more proud of the performance than disappointed over the result.”

"We played a really good game from the beginning, and now we can take some of the positives and look forward now.

“I think we deserve more, we were the better team and had more chances. In the end it feels like we lost two points,” Führich added.