Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez insisted his side still had a very good chance of progressing into the quarterfinals of the Europa League, despite a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Steaua Bucharest in the last 16 first leg.

A penalty from Raul Rucescu gave the Romanian side a considerable advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Brodge next week, with Chelsea yet again failing to ignite in front of goal.

Benitez, though, defended his side's performance, saying had a couple of things worked in their favor, the result could have been completely different.

"It was a difficult game, they had a great atmosphere with their fans behind them," Benitez, who has been under pressure recently, said.

"It was a soft penalty, and in the second half we were working hard and pushing, but there were some great saves from their keeper. Obviously we now need to do our best at Stamford Bridge.

"We were controlling the game, we didn't create too many chances but they didn't either. The pitch was tough, but we were in a good position, especially playing away from home, we felt we could score.

"After the goal they didn't look too dangerous and our goalkeeper wasn't really making any saves, and I still feel that their keeper made the best save of the game (from Yossi Benayoun)."

The Chelsea manager also insisted the tie was far from over. "They worked so hard in defense it wasn't easy," he added. "After the goal they played on the counter-attack and were more compact so we had less space.

"We know we have a good chance at home. In these kind of games and competitions if you don't score away it's more difficult. We are disappointed but we still have the belief that we can win at home."

Chelsea next face runaway English Premier League leaders Manchester United in the F.A. Cup quarterfinals at Old Trafford, and Benitez is hopeful of his side bouncing back from the disappointment.

"It's another competition and a different atmosphere, it will be totally different and another challenge for us," he said.