Dundalk crashed out of the Champions League last night and Stephen Kenny sighed: "We're kicking ourselves."

BATE Borisov bossed the 0-0 second-leg tie but couldn't break down a Lilywhites side that always put bodies on the line.

But Kenny knows the 2-1 aggregate defeat is a glorious opportunity missed as BATE roll on to face Videoton of Hungary in the third round.

Kenny said: "It probably would have been harsh on BATE had we won but I feel we were very unfortunate in the first-leg.

"We're disappointed that we didn't create enough chances in the second-half as we would have backed ourselves at half-time to do that.

"We're kicking ourselves in that regard as the motivation was huge for us to get through where we would have played lesser opposition in terms of pedigree.

"It was a tough draw that we got but we were outstanding away from home and very competitive.

Kenny added: "BATE had good chances tonight and didn't take then, we had a couple and didn't take them and there's nothing we can do, we're out."

BATE Borisov’s Nemanja Milunovic and goalkeeper Sergei Chernik celebrate after the game

Dundalk skipper Stephen O'Donnell said: "We're disappointed, not frustrated. I felt we were the better side in the first-half of the first-leg.

"But they were the better side tonight. They are an experienced side that are Champions League group stage regulars.

"Maybe we went too direct in the second-half, I don't think we can have any complaints.

"It was the worst draw we could have got and they'll go on to win the next round (against Videoton of Hungary) and get to the group stages."

And turning his focus to league action, O'Donnell added: "Now, the most important thing is Sunday's game against Cork City.

"We must retain the league and return to the Champions League next year fitter and stronger."

Kenny felt Dundalk's passing was not up to scratch in comparison to the first-leg in Belarus last week.

He added: "We put bodies on the line and defended really well but we went a little direct in the second-half which we never do.

"But that was due to the pressure BATE put us under as they didn't give us a moment to settle on the ball."

Dundalk players claimed that Kurtis Byrne was spat at by a rival player after the final whistle but Kenny said: "I don't know, we didn't discuss it."