Gareth Taylor says his injury-hit Manchester City side will not be defined by their 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, which saw them lose top spot in League Group D Champions for the keepers.
City, who have qualified for the semi-finals in second place, struggled without stars Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp, Barcelona needing two clear goals to win to finish above the visitors on goal difference.
“This game won't define us. We'll learn, we'll get better, we'll get players back, we'll start getting stronger and we'll improve,” said Taylor.
“They are a great team, we are trying to do something like that and it will take time to build that. We were a bit ineffective with the ball and without the ball, (but ) the girls' effort was first class.”
The hosts registered 30 shots, forcing City goalkeeper Khiara Keating to save 14, before finally striking just before half-time when Claudia Pina fired home clinically inside the box.
Claudia Pina (left) celebrates after putting Barcelona ahead
The closest Town came to scoring was when Jill Roord's long shot fell back off the crossbar.
Barca scored the second goal just before the hour when Aitana Bonmati burst through the City defense and finished through the legs of Keating.
Alexia Putellas soon completed the victory just minutes after coming off the bench, firing past an unsuspecting Keating from the edge of the box.
Alexia Putellas from Barcelona is shooting in third place
Both sides finished with 15 points but Barcelona took top spot thanks to their superior goal difference meaning City are now in the second relegation pool and could face a tougher draw.
Taylor: The case does not define us
Man City leader Gareth Taylor said:
“(It was) A fantastic effort, we know we weren't working and effective in some areas with and without the ball, but you couldn't fault the effort of the players.
“This game will not define us. We will learn, we will get better, we will get players back, they will start to get stronger and we will improve. It was difficult. Barcelona started at a very good pace, got between the two of them, he attacked us and pushed us hard.
“You have to give them credit, they are a great team, we are trying to do something similar and it will take time to build that. We were a bit ineffective with and without the ball tonight, the effort from the girls was first class.”
On Khiara Keating: “She was fantastic tonight, she showed a lot of personality and a lot of maturity for someone so young on the biggest stage.”
The semi-finals of the Champions League have been confirmed
The group winners are seeded in the draw for the last eight. The draw will take place on February 7, with ties played on March 18-19 and 26-27.
Group winners:
- Lyon
- Chelsea
- Barcelona
- Arsenal
Second place:
- Wolfsburg
- Real Madrid
- City of Manchester
- Bayern Munich
