LEIPZIG (Germany) • RB Leipzig have shown that they can compete at the top level of European football, coach Ralph Hasenhuettl said after the German Bundesliga club's 1-1 draw with Monaco on their Champions League debut in Group G on Wednesday.

"We have made our first steps here. We played well against a strong opponent, and showed that we can compete at this level," said the 50-year-old. "It was a good start from us all, and it makes us want more."

Leipzig picked up a point from their first-ever Champions League fixture, after Emil Forsberg's first-half opener was quickly cancelled out by Monaco's Youri Tielemans.

The Leipzig coach also admitted that he felt his team could have taken all three points against the French Ligue 1 champions, and said that both he and his players had been too cautious.

"I think everyone noticed that we weren't as calm on the ball and that we didn't take as many risks as usual," he said.

"I chose not to bring on another forward towards the end, because it's always possible to concede from set pieces, and Monaco showed towards the end that they could be dangerous."

The cautious approach, Hasenhuettl added, was partly down to the absence of Liverpool-bound midfield star Naby Keita, who was ruled out of Wednesday's fixture with a groin injury. "To get a point without him is a great achievement," the Austrian said.

It is nearly 30 years since Leipzig has hosted a game in European club competition.

"The atmosphere gave us goosebumps tonight," said striker Timo Werner. "We really wanted to win, but Monaco defended well."

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim said his team's lack of potency was due to personnel changes, most notably the departure of Kylian Mbappe to Paris Saint-Germain.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE