Stuttgart boss Markus Babbel could not fault his side despite seeing them slip to a 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at home to Sevilla last night.

Sebastien Squillaci scored twice either side of a Jesus Navas goal as the visitors took command of the match before Elson scored a consolation for the Bundesliga outfit. The win extended Sevilla's 100 per cent record in Group G and strengthened their position at its summit, while Stuttgart lie third with just two points from three games.

"I'm satisfied with the performance from my team," Babbel said after the game. "They really pushed themselves to the limit. Unfortunately we couldn't turn all that effort into something that counted.

"The atmosphere at the moment is one of disappointment after the good display shown from my team. We kept Sevilla permanently busy, created chances and caused them plenty of problems. That's why I now really feel sorry for the lads. I'm expecting the same type of performance in Hanover (on Saturday), where we need to take all three points."

Midfielder Alexander Hleb admitted Stuttgart were punished for failing to convert pressure into goals. He said: "Tonight we were better than in the game against Schalke (which Stuttgart lost 2-1 last Saturday), but just playing well is not enough. We played very well and had our chances. Sevilla had one chance on goal in the first half and put the ball in the net."