Liverpool may have slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Lille in their Europa League last 16 clash in France on Thursday but manager Rafael Benitez felt that his players' effort had been "fantastic".
The Reds created the more clear-cut opportunities on the night but ultimately succumbed to an 85th-minute free-kick from Eden Hazard which had been intended as a cross.
It could have gotten even worse for the visitors but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's half-volley in the dying seconds struck the outside of the post.
As it was, though, Benitez was thrilled with his players' response to Monday's humiliating 1-0 loss at Wigan.
"It was an improvement from the last game. The players' reaction has been very positive," said the Spaniard.
"I am disappointed with the result but really pleased with the effort of the players. They were fantastic today.
"It was against a good team on a difficult pitch. The reaction has been good.
"I think Lille started really well. We knew they had pace - you can watch videos but until you see them on the pitch you don't see the pace they have.
"It was difficult to stop them but little by little we had more control.
"When we had that control and were going forward we conceded the goal."
Indeed, Benitez is in no doubt that Liverpool can turn the tie around in the second leg.
"We were just not strong enough today but there is still 90 minutes to play.
"I am confident we can beat anyone at Anfield on our day with the fans behind us."