Ranieri's regret

Stanic (l) and Gudjohnsen in front of joyful Hapoel fans

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri blamed his side's exit from the Uefa Cup on the performance in their first leg against Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Six first team regulars chose not to travel to Israel and Ranieri believes the result achieved there with a weakened team did the damage.

"For the last three minutes in Tel Aviv we have gone out," he said.

The Stamford Bridge side conceded two late goals and failed to overturn the deficit in the home leg.

I think for the chances we had in this leg 1-1 is an incredible result

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri

Ranieri's team dominated the return tie but went behind to a Milan Osterc first-half goal.

They then peppered the Hapoel goal during the second period but only had Gianfranco Zola's goal to show for their efforts as they went out 3-1 on aggregate.

"I think for the chances we had in this leg 1-1 is an incredible result. Also we had 16 or 17 shots in the second half and the ball didn't want to go in for us.

"I am very disappointed but my players played hard. But that is football."

Chelsea were eliminated in the first round of the same competition last season but Ranieri refused to criticise his players for another embarrassing exit.

We played like men

Hapoel Tel Aviv captain Shimon Gershon

He added: "It is strange. It is very bitter for us but we will look forward now.

"I am disappointed when my players do not play - but they did tonight."

By way of contrast the Hapoel Tel Aviv captain Shimon Gershon was delighted with the result.

"Our goalkeeper made a wonderful show.

"We played for the people in Israel to lift their mood. This is history for a team from Israel," he added.