Luis Enrique laments Barcelona mistakes that handed Manchester City crucial win

Catalans' manager praises home side's 'aggressive' play in Champions League clash but admits he was left searching for answers to his side's second-half collapse in 3-1 defeat

Lionel Messi reacts after seeing Manchester City secure a 3-1 victory over Barcelona (Getty)

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique admitted he was at a loss to explain his side’s capitulation against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Catalans dominated the first half at The Etihad and took the lead through Lionel Messi – only for City to come storming back through Ilkay Gundogan’s double and Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.

Enrique’s side stayed top of Group C, but with two games to go the group is now wide open and the manager admitted he was puzzled by the manner of his side’s second-half collapse.

Luis Enrique, the Barcelona coach (EPA)

“They [City] played very well,” said Enrique. “They were aggressive and provoked more errors from us than we did from them.

“I have not got an explanation – there is no explanation.”

On Barcelona’s impressive first-half display, Enrique added: “I think it has been one of the best 40 minutes we have played, particularly on a stage like this against a top-quality rival.

“In the second half we hoped to continue to dominate but it couldn’t be. That’s because of errors and pressure from the opponent.

“City took advantage of our errors and they have some great players. The first 40 for us, the following 50 for them. The result reflects that.”