Hi °C | Lo °C Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland bemoaned a series of missed chances after Mark Hughes' side crashed out of the UEFA Cup at the quarter-final stage.
City won the second leg of their tie against Hamburg 2-1 at Eastlands but lost 4-3 on aggregate.
Elano and Felipe Caicedo scored but Elano also hit the woodwork twice and Caicedo missed a glorious chance from a few yards out as City, who also had Richard Dunne sent off, came up just short.
Ireland said: "We had a lot of chances and we didn't take them, we should have been more clinical. I think Caicedo had a few clear-cut chances and didn't finish them, the same with Micah Richards."
City were outplayed in the first leg but turned things around impressively at home and Ireland has called on the Blues to ensure they secure seventh spot in the Barclays Premier League and a return to Europe.
"We have to have that spirit every week," the Irishman added. "We have to pick ourselves up. We've got to get seventh if we can and not let this destroy our season."
Hamburg manager Martin Jol, formerly in charge at Tottenham, insisted his side deserve their semi-final place despite City's missed chances.
He said: "It's unbelievable, to get to the semi-finals is fantastic. I think we were the better team at home and the first half (tonight) we were probably the better team.
"The penalty was also harsh but the crowd was fantastic and they've got some good players."
Hamburg now face an all-German last-four clash against Werder Bremen, and Jol added: "Bremen have got probably more experience but we've got a talented team."
Hughes felt City did not get the slice of luck they needed in order to at least force extra-time.
He said: "We're proud of the performance. It was a big night for us and we've produced a real performance of desire and commitment. The crowd sensed something really special was happening but we just needed that break at the right time."
