Despite the margin of defeat, BATE Borisov’s win over AEK Athens in the other Group I fixture last night means Everton remain in a qualification berth in second place.

Benfica visit Goodison in a fortnight for the return encounter, and Moyes is confident his team are still in a strong position to win through to the knockout stages in the New Year.

"I’ve said to the players that this is a different competition to the league," he said.

"We have had two wins and one defeat, so it’s not too bad, although this defeat is not the way we wanted it. I’d like to play Benfica with my best team if possible because they are a good team.

"But it probably won’t be a totally different Everton when we play them next as most of the injuries are long-term. But we may have one or two back which would help."

Benfica’s Argentine left-winger Angel Di Maria was singled out for praise by Moyes having had a hand in four of his team’s five goals.

"Di Maria was a throwback to the old style of wingers," said the Goodison manager.

"He did some very, very good things. He would have given a proper full-back a real difficult night."

A miserable evening was compounded by an injury to Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

The Russian was substituted midway through the second half and will be assessed at Finch Farm later today.