Barcelona fans had an interesting response to a 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid on Sunday, placing the blame on the recruitment staff rather than Hansi Flick and his players.

After suffering a 4-2 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, Barca looked to bounce back against Madrid. They came into the game as favourites having made a perfect start to the La Liga campaign with nine consecutive wins.

Madrid stunned Camp Nou with an impressive performance and took the lead through Kylian Mbappe in the 41st minute. Flick's men equalised when Raphinha found the back of the net twenty minutes later.

With three minutes left off normal time, Mbappe pounced, netting his eight goals in seven Clasicos to hand the Blaugrana their first league defeat. It's blown the title race wide open as Jose Mourinho's men move onto 24 points, three behind Flick's league leaders.

Barcelona stumble in El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid

Barca were deservedly beaten and it's a testing period for Flick following the PSG loss. They weren't helped by Xavi Espart being forced off in the 30th minute due to an injury but their overall performance frustrated fans.

Mourinho outthought Flick and his attackers looked dangerous every time they broke on the counter. The Catalan defence couldn't contain their pace and power, particularly Mbappe who starred with his brace.

Midfield had also been an area they were second best for large periods, Rodri unable to control proceedings. He was one of eight signings made in the summer that many expect to help them successfully defend their La Liga crown.

Barca fans bemoan Alvarez pursuit

Barca spent most of the summer trying to persuade Atletico Madrid to part with Julian Alvarez. They failed to do so, with their rivals ridiculing their attempts and some fans believe they wasted their time on pursuing the Argentine forward.

One supporter believes the higher-ups should have strengthened in defence: "Instead of signing defenders, Barça spent the whole summer chasing Julián Álvarez, only for him to stay at Atléti. Now we’re suffering these disastrous defensive performances every other game. With this backline, don’t even dream about European or domestic trophies."

Another hit out at sporting director Deco: "This is what happens to us for going around wanting the whole market for Julián Álvarez and not focusing on signing defenders. Masterclass by Deco."

One fan echoed this: "This is the outcome of obsessing over Julian Alvarez while ignoring Ferran and signing zero defender this summer… worst strategy ever."

Another added: "We had 100 million for Julian Alvarez but ended up not signing anyone, let's see if in January they realize and go look for someone."

Alvarez wanted to join Barca but Atleti refused to sell to the Catalan outfit. He apologised to his club's fans on Saturday after scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna which means his side sit second, just two points behind the club he pushed to join.