Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits Peter Crouch's sending off made their task against Real Madrid impossible.
Spurs boss disappointed by striker's sending off
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits Peter Crouch's sending off made their task against Real Madrid impossible after losing 4-0 in the Spanish capital.
Real took advantage of Crouch's early dismissal to secure a commanding first-leg lead to take to White Hart Lane next week for the return leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
Crouch was given his marching orders inside the opening 15 minutes for two bookings after fouls on Real defenders Sergio Ramos and Marcelo.
Redknapp admitted he was disappointed by Crouch's lack of discipline after making a needless tackle on Marcelo when already on a booking.
"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," admitted Redknapp.
"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."
Despite the tie all but being out of reach for Spurs, Redknapp has vowed to give it a go at White Hart Lane to turnaround the deficit.
Difficult
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.
"We've done fantastic, it's been a great experience so far, and there's still a game to come at White Hart Lane."
