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.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Anybody else really want to see Man City win?
AZ_RBB
Guest
Cue English media saying he is past it.
U Soro Micheal
Guest
Mancity would surprise bacar at camp nou
Alan
Roar Guru
Well 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. City 1 Barcelona 2
punter
Guest
Amazing!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Poor night for Zabaleta made worse as he gives away the penalty! CHANCE BARCELONA Messi's penalty saved by Hart! WOW big moment here! Messi's follow up then is wide! City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY BARCELONA Right at the death as Zabaleta fouls Messi! City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Pique with a good run and he gets the freekick. Barca just a minute away from securing a vital away win. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - City pressing late despite being a man down. Suarez now on the counter attack for Barca and he wins the freekick. Fernando is yellow carded. Barca with another chance to wind down the clock. Messi played in here and his finish superb but he is offside! Just! CHANCE BARCELONA City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Aguero goes on a good run here down the left flank and he is fouled. Adriano yellow carded. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - As good as Barca have been, it could easily be two all here had Dzeko buried his free header early in the second half. City can cause problems in Spain. Stopping Barca from scoring though very difficult City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Barca with possession as they look to wind down the clock and maintain this vital lead away from home City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Messi with a good performance tonight but without a goal of course so City will pat themselves on the back for that. Too bad Suarez has been lethal upfront though. Loves playing in England the Uruguayan. City with the freekick at the back. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - City continue to fight hard here and their second half effort proves that they can take it to teams like Barcelona. Such a poor first half though in regards to their pressing play. Just allowed Barca too much time on the ball. Neymar is off for Pedro. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Barca build up nicely yet again. Jordi Alba finds Messi whose shot is deflected just over the bar! Silva is off for Sagna. Gee a shame that Silva has to come off.. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Jordi Alba in the area here but a great tackle by Zabaleta saves the day! City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Dani Alves is off for Adriano. Barcelona with an extra man now. City still with belief though to get an equaliser. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Poor mistimed tackle from Clichy on Dani Alves and he is off. City down to ten men. Once again against Barcelona City have a player sent off. Three games in a row now. City 1 Barcelona 2
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - It took 45 minutes and two conceded goals but City finally learn that pressing Barca is the key to disrupting their play and so it has proved. Barca now with doubts. Clichy now has been sent off! Second yellow card! RED CARD CITY City 1 Barcelona 2