Gareth Taylor says his injury-stricken Manchester City side will not be defined by their 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, which saw them lose top spot in Champions League Group D to the holders.
City, who have qualified for the quarter-finals in second, struggled without stars Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp, with Barcelona needing to win by two clear goals to finish above the visitors on goal difference.
"This game won't define us. We'll learn, get better, get players back, start to get stronger and will improve," said Taylor.
"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, [but] the effort from the girls was first class."
The hosts recorded 30 shots, forcing City goalkeeper Khiara Keating into 14 saves, before finally beating her just before half-time when Claudia Pina clinically fired home from inside the box.
Barcelona's Claudia Pina, foreground left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the women's Champions League group D soccer match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Image: Claudia Pina (left) celebrates after putting Barcelona ahead
The closest City came to scoring was when Jill Roord's long-range shot crashed back off the crossbar.
Barca netted the second just before the hour mark when Aitana Bonmati burst clear of the City defence and finished through the legs of Keating.
Alexia Putellas soon wrapped up the victory just minutes after coming on off the bench, firing past the unsighted Keating from the edge of the box.
Barcelona's Alexia Putellas scores her side's third goal during the women's Champions League group D soccer match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Image: Barcelona's Alexia Putellas fires in the third
Both sides finished on 15 points but Barcelona snatched top spot thanks to their superior goal difference meaning City are now in the second knockout pool and could face a tougher draw.
Taylor: Defeat won't define us
Man City boss Gareth Taylor said:
"[It was an] Amazing effort, we know we weren't functioning and effective in certain areas with and without the ball, but you couldn't fault the effort of the players.
"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."
On Khiara Keating: "She was outstanding tonight, showed a lot of personality and a lot of maturity for someone so young on the biggest stage."
Champions League quarter-finalists confirmed
Group winners are seeded in the draw for the last eight. The draw takes place on February 7, with ties played on March 18-19 and 26-27.
Group winners:
Lyon
Chelsea
Barcelona
Arsenal
Runners-up:
Wolfsburg
Real Madrid
Manchester City
Bayern Munich