Aston Villa captain John McGinn has admitted his side paid the price for poor decision-making during Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat against Barcelona.
Unai Emery's team created opportunities at Camp Nou but failed to match the hosts' clinical finishing.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after seven minutes before Raphinha struck twice in the second half, ending Villa's perfect start to their European campaign.
McGinn admits Aston Villa were punished
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, McGinn acknowledged that Villa struggled to cope with Barcelona's aggressive opening.
"They started very intense, very fast, and you need to ride that storm," the Scotland international explained.
Villa responded with several promising attacks but failed to capitalise when opportunities arose.
"When you're playing against a team like Barcelona, you don't get a second chance," he admitted.
McGinn believes his side needed greater composure in possession and better decisions around the penalty area.
He also recognised Barcelona's ability to punish mistakes at the highest level.
Aston Villa rue missed opportunities
Despite the scoreline, Villa enjoyed encouraging spells, particularly during the first half.
Matty Cash threatened with a volley, while Nicolas Jackson and Johan Manzambi also tested Barcelona's defence.
However, goalkeeper Joan García helped preserve the hosts' advantage before Raphinha doubled the lead in the 52nd minute.
The Brazilian completed his brace 12 minutes later, leaving Villa with too much to recover.
McGinn acknowledged that improved passing and finishing will be essential against Europe's strongest opponents.
Villa captain remains confident in European ambitions
The 32-year-old believes Villa's previous performances against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain demonstrate their ability to compete at this level.
"We've come a long way, we've shown we can compete with teams at this level," McGinn said.
However, he described the Barcelona defeat as a "huge learning curve" for the squad.
Villa had won their opening three Champions League fixtures before Tuesday's setback.
Key Points
- Barcelona beat Aston Villa 3-0 at Camp Nou.
- Yamal scored before Raphinha's second-half double.
- McGinn criticised Villa's attacking decision-making.
- Villa suffered their first European defeat this season.
- McGinn believes the experience will help the squad improve.
What's Next?
Villa return to Premier League action against Manchester United on Sunday before facing Galatasaray in their next Champions League fixture.
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