Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 season after Hansi Flick admitted his side were not fully prepared for their 4-2 loss at Paris Saint-Germain.
The late defeat came against the defending UEFA Champions League powerhouse PSG, ending Barcelona’s perfect start to the campaign just days before their El Clasico meeting with Real Madrid.
Flick’s team had won all nine of their LaLiga matches and two European fixtures before travelling to France. However, two late goals from PSG turned the match in the hosts’ favour and left Barcelona without a victory for the first time this season.
Flick suggested the time available to recover from their previous match, against Sevilla, had affected his players.
“It was a fantastic match from both teams. PSG showed they are better than us. We lost, but we learned. Mistakes happen. But what we've done in recent weeks is fantastic,” he said.
“The players ran a lot and tried to play. What happened after the Sevilla game, with our recovery, it wasn't the best. It's not an excuse, but we have to learn.”
Barcelona now face Real Madrid in an El Clasico clash this weekend, with Flick insisting the result in Paris should be viewed in the context of their strong opening to the season.
The German added: “It's October, and you don't win titles in October; the Champions League is won in June.”