Schalke 04 boss Jens Keller has admitted that his players have a long way to go before they can compete with the likes of Real Madrid.

The Bundesliga side were outplayed from start to finish in their Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Los Blancos, and the Spanish giants took full advantage of some poor defending to secure a 6-1 win.

"We are a young team that still has lots to learn at this level. We made too many simple mistakes. We had a good start and played bravely until we conceded the opener," Keller told reporters.

"A mistake allowed Real to score the opener but we immediately had the chance for the equaliser. We knew that Real would use the space we would give them after they scored the opener and they simply punished us for every mistake we made.

"These types of chances don't come along that often against a side like Real. When you make that many mistakes against Real they will punish you without a second thought."

The second leg will be played on Tuesday, March 18.