Eight Barcelona errors in Champions League defeat to Manchester City

FC Barcelona played 38 nearly perfect minutes at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City, but from then on they dropped off both individually and collectively against Pep Guardiola’s side, who came from a goal behind to win 3-1. 

Even though the consequences aren’t tragic (Barça still lead their group), the defeat shouldn’t be ignored. It’s the first time the Catalan side have failed to win after Lionel Messi opened the scoring in a Champions League game and the third time in the competition that a Messi goal hasn’t led to a win. 

We take a look at the eight aspects of the Manchester City - Barcelona game which Luis Enrique and his players must reflect on. 

1. Barca lost the ball a lot in critical situations

They lost the ball more times than City (66 to 78) and recovered it less (49 to 43). But, in addition, some of the losses of possession proved dangerous. The equaliser arrived after a Sergi Roberto stray pass and the second City goal came after a foul Sergio Busquets lost the ball. 

2. Conceded goals at key moments

Against a rival of such good stock in Pep Guardiola’s City side, there’s no room for any downtime. And that will be heightened even more in games at the end of the season, when any errors will prove fatal. Barça were made to pay for a lack of concentration at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second. 

3. Ter Stegen not great for the De Bruyne goal

The German goalkeeper, who demonstrated his quality with the ball when under pressure, could have done better with Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick. The Belgian midfielder even said he thought the Barça stopper was stood too centrally. 

4. Little presence from Digne and Sergi Roberto 

One of the keys to Barça’s play is the work of the full-backs. At the Etihad, Lucas Digne and Sergi Roberto were more focused on treading water than attacking. That allowed City’s attackers to stay high up the pitch, closer to Ter Stegen. 

5. Lack of administration on the ball 

Barça won the possession battle (40 to 60 percent) but the absences of Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta told when it came to using the ball. 

6. Barça didn’t kill the game off 

Before letting City back into the game, Barça had occasions to cancel out any comeback before it even got started. They lacked accuracy and fortune, though, which continued into the second period. Andre Gomes had two great chances (the second hitting the bar) and Luis Suarez and Neymar also came close. 

7. The MSN disappeared in the second half

The trident dropped off after the break when their team-mates most needed them. Messi, Suarez and Neymar had six shots on goal -- half of them from Leo. 

8. Barça didn’t respond to City’s tactical changes

On this occasion, Guardiola won the tactical battle against Luis Enrique. The positioning of De Bruyne and David Silva in the second half and the home side’s pressing overwhelmed Barça.