Deserved the loss? Can't tell if sarcastic...

In any case, no. Rather, I suspect the opponent was using counters, hard tackling, some up arrows, and possibly man marking.

I'm not sure I consider hard tackling a higher Q team, or forcing counters at home risky tactics. Difference in tactics is a great aspect of the game. Any evidence to share?

Forgot to mention above, prior to the match we invested some 75-100 packs (not with hopes of winning, the first leg was pretty clear). Add powertraining to the list of possible factors.