Messi 54' (pen), Alves 90'
Demichelis disaster makes things Messi at the Etihad
Champions League expectations cruelly quashed. It's been a familiar headline for Manchester City fans in recent years, and a courageous performance on Tuesday evening was effortlessly weaved in-and-out-of by the incomparable elegance of Barcelona's enchanting midfield. But controversial refereeing from Jonas Eriksson sabotaged the magic of the mid-week's headline act when Martin Demichelis was sent off after denying Lionel Messi a clear shot on goal. We won't argue with the dismissal, but the three yards separating the challenge and the penalty box is likely to ruffle some feathers.
Towering displays from Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré and David Silva were undeserving of the loss, but the blues made the mistake of bowing down to their fearsome foes early in the first half. An admirable avidity was installed into the team after half time, and the Catalan giants began to crack under the pressure of the ravenous home side, but it wasn't to be. The aching legs of Manuel Pellegrini's team were worn down by Barcelona's extra man and Dani Alves increased the incline of City's next European outing with a goal in the dying minutes.
(Dani Alves scores Barcelona's second of the game)
The visitors unsurprisingly took hold of proceedings in the first half with their lateral one-touch passing serving as a monotone for the early play. Misplaced passes characterised a nervous City side, and the long ball towards Álvaro Negredo became a preferable methodology for the blues. However, despite maintaining a firm grasp on possession, Gerardo Martino's men created very little. Opting for a five-man midfield proved to be an inspired decision from Pellegrini, and the solidity of Fernandinho, Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis denied Barcelona any penetration.
As the nerves settled, the home side began to assert their own authority on the game, exhibiting the fluidity they have imposed so brutally on the Premier League this season. The physical presence of Álvaro Negredo gave the blues a valuable outlet up top, but his efforts on goal were calmly collected by Victor Valdes. The four-time European champions strolled into the break without ever stepping out of first gear, but the smell of blood was growing stronger inside the Etihad.
With the threat of Lionel Messi and Neymar dominating the headlines in the build-up to Tuesday night's clash, Andrés Iniesta was allowed to ghost around the field untouched. Just nine minutes into the second half, the superb Spaniard sliced open City's defence with a delectable through ball into Lionel Messi. Aware that the world's best finisher was almost certain to score, Martin Demichelis unleashed a wild swipe on the Argentinian, but clearly outside the penalty box. The red card shown to the 33-year-old received no complaints, but the penalty awarded in the aftermath certainly did. Down to 10 men, Manchester City watched on as Messi rolled in his first goal in a Premier League stadium.
(Martin Demichelis sees red after bringing down Lionel Messi in the 54th minute)
The prospect of playing another 35 minutes against Europe's most prolific passers cast an aura of dread around a pounding Etihad stadium, but the blues never gave up. Joleon Lescott filled the defensive vacancy at the expense of Aleksandar Kolarov and technique was swapped for speed as Samir Nasri ran on in place of Jesus Navas - and the blues began to play without fear.
Content with their away goal, Martino's side allowed their hosts to present them with some football of their own, and an excellent move involving Yaya Touré and Pablo Zabaleta almost saw David Silva volley home City's equaliser. As the legs tired, Dani Alves raced forward to smash through Joe Hart's legs and deliver a bruising blow to the hosts who watched their Champions League hopes condense into the cold Manchester air.
One goal may have been repairable, but coming back from a deficit of two may just be a task too far for Manchester City. However, with Sergio Agüero set to make an appearance at the Nou Camp, you try telling us City fans 'it's over'.
Joe Hart 6 - Barcelona's dominance resulted in very little penetration, and the England No.1 had very little to do. Leg position was unfortunate for Dani Alves' late strike.
Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Solid performance from the South American who kept Cesc Fabregas relatively quiet. Got involved with most of City's attacking play and his delicate ball into Silva nearly resulted in a memorable goal.
Vincent Kompany 9 - Absolutely faultless from the captain who didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Kept Messi at bay and terrified the visitors with his physicality.
Martin Demichelis 6 - Solid up until his second half clanger, but Messi was always going to ruin the veteran's day.
Gaël Clichy 7 - Defensively excellent, but could do with some crossing lessons from Kolarov.
Jesus Navas 6 - Failed to exploit the flanks, but effort (as always) was commendable.
Fernandinho 7.5 - His presence in the midfield was vital, and he did a great job of spoiling Barca's flow in the second half
Yaya Touré 8 - Turns up at the big games and played a pivotal role in City's resurgence in the second half with his brute strength. Wasn't allowed to get forward as much as he'd have liked to.
Aleksandar Kolarov 5.5 - A poor game for the Serbian, but the man is not a midfielder. Put in the side for his quality delivery which he exhibited none of.
David Silva 8 - Magical in City's midfield and showed a different side to his game as he relentlessly pressured Barcelona's back four.
Álvaro Negredo 7 - Troubled Pique and Mascherano with his strength and held up the ball well, but still no goals for Spaniard.
Substitutes
Joleon Lescott 6 - Struggled with Barcelona's one touch passing in the final third
Samir Nasri 6 - Gace City some composure
Edin Džeko 5 - Couldn't affect the game and his touch was awful
Shots on target: Manchester City 3 - 4 Barcelona
Shots off target: Manchester City 4 - 3 Barcelona
Corners: Manchester City 1 - 4 Barcelona
Fouls: Manchester City 19 - 10 Barcelona
Pass Completion: Manchester City 82% - 92% Barcelona
Tackle Success: Manchester City 28% - 21% Barcelona
