Hansi Flick
Photo by Maciej Rogowski - Depositphotos

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick offered no excuses following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, while revealing that talismanic forward Raphinha had to be taken off late on due to sheer physical exhaustion.

The Brazilian international, who had dragged the hosts back into the contest with a 61st-minute equaliser, was replaced in the closing stages as Barcelona searched for a winner. Flick explained that tactical plans had to be shelved when the winger signalled he could no longer continue.

"We wanted to shift Raphinha into the 'number 10' role for the final minutes, but he asked us to take him off," Flick told reporters in his post-match press conference. "He had to leave the pitch; he simply couldn't play anymore."

The loss brought an end to Barcelona’s flawless start to the domestic campaign, but the German tactician was adamant that fatigue and travel cannot serve as mitigating factors.

"I don't accept excuses," Flick insisted. "Today we weren't at our best, but you have to accept that. Travel and international fixtures are simply part of the game. Now we must turn our focus entirely to the upcoming matches."

Despite seeing their lead at the top of the table trimmed by their arch-rivals, Flick struck a defiant tone regarding his side's broader ambitions.

"This defeat doesn't create any doubts for me at all," he added. "These things happen, and in matches of this magnitude, the finest margins and smallest details often decide the outcome."