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Game over: City 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona take a vital away win back to the Nou Camp but they will be frustrated not to have added a third goal after Messi’s penalty was well saved by Hart.
City with a massive mountain to climb in the second leg but they take some belief to Spain after a great second half which saw them create plenty of chances. Aguero eventually buried his chance and this tie is still alive. Interesting second leg coming up in Spain.
Manchester City and FC Barcelona do battle in a round of sixteen Champions League tie that should feature plenty of quality and drama. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.30am AEDT.
It’s a simple case of history repeating itself this morning as City hosts Barcelona in the round of sixteen – just like they did last season.
On that occasion, Barcelona proved too professional en route to a 2-0 away victory that effectively killed off City’s Champions League ambitions.
City, though, should present a far more serious challenge at home this time around. City striker Sergio Aguero missed the first leg last season through injury but is now fit and ready to cause Barcelona’s defence huge problems.
Judging from their recent shock defeat to Malaga, Barcelona still have some obvious defensive issues that could easily be exploited by players like Aguero and David Silva.
The Catalans like to employ a high pressing game in a bid to win back and dominate possession. Any poor control of possession, however, will see City counter attack with pace and efficiency.
City certainly possess enough quality stock to perhaps secure a first leg lead. They did very well to produce two wins against AS Roma and Bayern Munich late in the group stages and such results should serve the home side in good stead.
Of course there is the issue of keeping superstar Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar quiet. The three South American strikers are slowly but surely improving their interplay in attack, and if they hit top form they could end City’s chances of progressing further into the competition.
Barcelona start favourites but this is a real danger tie for the Catalan giants. If City can keep Messi under wraps, their chances of securing an invaluable first leg lead will increase dramatically.
Prediction: City and Barcelona to draw 1-1
Join me on The Roar from 6:30am AEDT for the live blog and all the action from the UEFA Champions League.