Dundalk boss Vinny Perth admitted Thursday's defeat to Vitesse will hurt him and his players for a long time.
The Lilywhites conceded two soft goals before half-time after switching off but were otherwise the better side.
And they had their Dutch rivals on the ropes at the death as they battered the visitor's box in pursuit of extra-time.
But Perth said: “That’s a moral victory but we don’t do moral victories at this club and the players are absolutely devastated in there.
“I have to analyse if I made some mistakes around that period when they scored but we will review that.
“I think Vitesse were a very lucky side to get out of here like they did because if it went to extra-time, I think there was only going to be one winner.”
Michael Duffy, Pat Hoban, Raivis Jurkovskis, Greg Sloggett and David McMillan all had chances to snatch an equaliser in the dying minutes.
“But it wasn’t to be and Perth said: “Vitesse were out on their feet and we have pushed a top Dutch side all the way but it’s one that we have to take on the chin.
“We’re unlucky but we just didn’t take any of the the big moments that were out there for us which is unfortunate,
“It’s going to hurt for quite some time but it’s one we have to accept and take it on the chin.”
But Perth was critical of the match officials from Luxembourg and felt Michael Duffy was denied a good goal after only 40 seconds.
It was chalked off for offside but Perth said: “It looked onside to me and it’s one that we’re very disappointed with.
“The standard of referees has been outstanding in the competition but I felt they were short of the levels required tonight.”
