Soccer:Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp concedes his side have been left with a mountain to climb to make it through to the Champions League semi-finals following their Bernabeu mauling by Real Madrid, but vowed "we'll give it a go".
Spurs will need to overturn a 4-0 deficit in the second leg at White Hart Lane after going down to goals from former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor (two), Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish capital.
Asked about his side's chances of making it through to the last four, Redknapp said: "Well, it's going to be very difficult. It certainly couldn't be much more difficult than being 4-0 down to Real Madrid, but we're at home, we'll give it a go.
"It's never over until it's over and you never know, though obviously we've got a mountain to climb, there's no doubt about that."
Spurs' cause in Spain was badly hampered by a series of early setbacks, starting with the loss of Aaron Lennon to illness just before kick-off and then going behind just five minutes into the match.
However, it was the 15th-minute dismissal of striker Peter Crouch, booked twice for fouls on Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, that was the biggest blow to the Londoners.
Redknapp said: "I knew it would be a difficult night here but to come here and lose a player after 10 minutes made it impossible for us really.
"I haven't seen a replay of the tackle (that saw Crouch sent off), the referee made the decision and I'm sure he made what he thought was the right decision.
"I haven't seen it but he (Crouch) shouldn't have taken the chance, he's already got a yellow card, he shouldn't take the chance that he might get a red card, so that's disappointing."
Whatever happens in the return leg though, Redknapp insisted it has still been a memorable run for them in this season's competition.
He said: "We've done fantastic, it's been a great experience so far, and there's still a game to come at White Hart Lane."
Regarding the loss of Lennon, Redknapp said: "He said he hadn't been feeling well all day. He felt rough, he went out and had a warm-up and came in and said he didn't feel he was fit enough to play. He didn't have any energy or strength. If he didn't feel fit there's nothing we can do."
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who is looking to become the first coach to conquer Europe with three different clubs, is taking nothing for granted despite his side's huge advantage for the second leg.
He told Sky Sports Two: "I know English football well, I know the English mentality. In another culture, yes, but with the English concept of football it's not over.
"Although it's a hard score to turn around they will put up a fight. We must respect this opponent. "
