Robin van Persie rued the 'bad luck' that denied Manchester United victory at Real Madrid on Wednesday in their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash.
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Van Persie had several chances to send United back home with at least a 2-1 advantage, most notably his mis-timed volley which was cleared off the line by Xabi Alonso.
He also saw a goal bound shot cannon back off the crossbar after the slightest of touches from Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who was again on hand to save well to his left when the Dutchman was through on goal in the final seconds of the match.
After the match, Van Persie bemoaned his inability to finish the job. "I had three in the second-half, especially the other when I hit the bar," he told reporters.
"That was a big chance, I should have put that in. I slightly mis-kicked it, I didn't hit it properly. So with a bit of luck, it could have gone in but it didn't. In the dying seconds, their keeper made a really good save because I was counting that one to go in."
Van Persie, though, believes either team could have emerged victorious from the enthralling encounter.
"Yes, for sure it could have gone either way," he added. "They had a couple of good chances and I think if you said it would finish 1-1 before the game, most of us would take it.
"Away from home, it's a good result but for the people who watched the game, they have seen chances on both sides and it was a great game to watch."
However, he brushed off suggestions that the result means the Red Devils are now firm favourites to progress from the tie, saying home advantage is largely irrelevant at this level of competition.
"Well, slightly. At this level I don't really think these kind of teams care if they play at home or away," the 29-year-old striker added. "We don't really care, they don't really care and it is only half-time now. We will be ready for the second-half."
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