Everton slumped to a record defeat in Europe but manager David Moyes refused to condemn his depleted side after a 5-0 thrashing by Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.
The free-scoring Portuguese team moved out of sight in this Europa League match with three goals in the space of six second half minutes.
It was their heaviest defeat at this level since the thumping by Dinamo Bucharest in the UEFA Cup.
Oscar Cardozo scored two of the goals with Luisao also on target in this spell against an Everton side missing 11 players.
With Javier Saviola starting and finishing the scoring it was a gruelling test for full-backs Dan Gosling and Seamus Coleman on his debut.
It was the first time Everton had tasted defeat in Group I and they conceded top spot to Benfica as a result.
Moyes, however, was keen to put a spin on the situation and said: "That was the best team we had tonight. I have got to say they did the best they could and as good as they could.
"I have only praise for them. I have said to the players this is a different competition than the league, we've had two wins and one defeat. It is not too bad.
"Obviously tonight's defeat was not what we wanted but I would like to play Benfica with my best side.
"They have a good attitude and showed their attacking qualities in the second half and capitalised on several mistakes we made in that spell and took their opportunities very well.
"It shows them (the youngsters) the level they have to play at to get to the top."
Moyes singled out Benfica's Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria for praise.
He said: "I thought he was like an attacking full-back, more of a winger. He did so many good things. He would have given a proper full back tonight a real difficult game."
To add to Moyes' injury woes, Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov ended the match with a strapping to his thigh and is doubtful for the Barclays Premier League match at Bolton on Sunday.
Moyes added: "We will need to assess him when we get back as well. I am not sure either yet who might be fit for the weekend."
