Everton slumped to a record defeat in Europe but manager David Moyes refused to condemn his depleted side after a 5-0 thrashing by Benfica at the Estadio da Luz.

The free-scoring Portuguese team moved out of sight in the Europa League tie with three goals in the space of six second-half minutes. It was Everton`s heaviest defeat at this level since the thumping by Dinamo Bucharest in the UEFA Cup.

Moyes, however, was keen to put a spin on the situation and said: "That was the best team we had. I have got to say they did the best they could and as good as they could.

"I have only praise for them. I have said to the players this is a different competition than the league, we've had two wins and one defeat. It is not too bad.

"Obviously the defeat was not what we wanted but I would like to play Benfica with my best side."