PSV Eindhoven captain Timmy Simons admits his side's hopes of making the Champions League knockout stages are all but over after two defeats from their opening two group games.

The Dutch champions followed up their home defeat to Atletico Madrid with a 3-1 loss at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

"We must be realistic," Simons told De Telegraaf. "We now have to aim for the third position in the group (which secures entry into the UEFA Cup) and hope for more."

PSV lie joint bottom of their Group D, level on zero points with Marseille, while Atletico and Liverpool have six each.

Simons admitted PSV were made to pay for their slow start at Anfield, conceding a goal after only four minutes.

He added: "We immediately give away the first corner of the match. Then you know that it will be a very difficult evening.

"If you go 1-0 behind after four minutes, it's painful."