Barcelona defeat will not define Man City's campaign, says Taylor

Gareth Taylor insisted that Manchester City's Women's Champions League defeat to champions Barcelona would not define their campaign in the competition.

A depleted Citizens side, missing the likes of Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, were comfortably dispatched 3-0 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The visitors' resolve lasted until a minute before the break when Claudia Pina opened the scoring, with Aitana Bonmati and substitute Alexia Putellas also on target.

And Barcelona were worthy of their win, generating an expected goals (xG) 2.51 from their 30 shots, restricting City to a measly 0.18 from their three efforts.

The result meant that Taylor's side would finish second in Group D and behind Wednesday's opponents, but the City boss was positive ahead of the knockout stages.

"[It was an] Amazing effort amazing. We know we weren't functioning and effective in certain areas with and without the ball, but you can't fault the effort of the players," Taylor said.

"This game won't define us. We’ll learn, get better, get players back, start to get stronger and will improve.

"It was tough. Barcelona set off at a very good pace at the start, got the bit between their teeth, attacked and pressed us really hard.

"You have to give credit to them, they're a top team, we're trying to do something similar, and it takes time to build that.

"We were a little bit dysfunctional with and without the ball tonight, the effort from the girls was first class."

Onto the quarter-finals pic.twitter.com/rx3M7fkaqR
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) December 18, 2024

Laia Aleixandri echoed her manager's thoughts, saying that her team-mates will use the winter break to re-energise for the new year and reflect on the past 12 months.

"It was very tough to play against this team [Barcelona], but I am very proud of the team for the effort we put into this game," she said.

"Obviously, we need to review some things and improve, but we are very proud. We still go through, and we can't wait to play in the quarter-finals.

"In this competition, you play against the best teams in Europe. I think Barca is one of them.

"I don't care what team we face in the next round, we need to improve, and I'm sure we'll do it and be ready for the next round.

"We now have the Christmas break. I think it's going to be okay for everyone to breathe and take energy for what's coming, and we'll be ready for it."