(Image via Manchester City Official Facebook)
The scoreline flattered City who were victimised by their own manager's flawed tactics in the first half. Fernando, who was preferred over Manuel Pellegrini's best signing, Fernandinho, again demonstrated that he is unable to influence a game at this level, and a wide-eyed 4-4-2 formation played into the hands of a team known for their poise in possession and ferocity on the counter attack.
City conceded two goals in those first forty-five minutes, and not even a spirited second half display orchestrated by Sergio Agüero could make up for such tactical recklessness. Barcelona were extraordinary; Lionel Messi was sensational, but after last year's humiliation, one would have expected Pellegrini to learn from his mistakes.
He didn't, and was forced to thank his goalkeeper for keeping his side in the tie with a superb last minute save from Messi's penalty kick.
What is particularly frustrating is that City do have the ability to match Barcelona, but set up in a 4-4-2 formation with the wrong players on the pitch, they were asking for a beating. City were humiliated with regards to class, but fortunately, the scoreline is still recoverable.
The Blues will travel to the Nou Camp in March knowing only a perfect performance will be necessary to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter finals. They'll require a mini-miracle, but it has happened before.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart - 8The England stopper has evaded the limelight recently with a string of dependable performances, but his last minute penalty save should see his face return to the back pages, albeit in a positive light. Helpless for both of a Suarez's goals, but helped to ensure that Barcelona were unable to truly embarrass his side.
Pablo Zabaleta - 6A surprise starter given Pellegrini's tendency to choose Sagna against teams equipped with tricky wingers. Made a couple of typically bold tackles but struggled with Neymar's pace throughout. Almost threw away the tie with a careless challenge on Lionel Messi in the last minute, but had his goalkeeper to thank.
Vincent Kompany - 6How many high profile mistakes is that now? Was at fault for Suarez's first and his confidence suffered as a result. Not the impenetrable defender he once was.
Martin Demichelis - 6Perhaps City's best defender, although that does not say much. Should have been tighter for Suarez's second, but remained composed elsewhere and deserved to start over Mangala.
Gaël Clichy - 6A victim of Messi's brilliance throughout but was one of City's main outlets on the counter attack. Unfortunately, his delivery was poor and his night ended early after a second yellow card in the 76th minute.
Samir Nasri - 6
Was unable to maintain his recent performance levels in a game where City couldn't keep hold of the ball. In possession, Nasri can be tremendous, but without it, he is wasted.
James Milner - 5Thrown into the occasion in the absence of Yaya Touré, but the versatile midfielder looked unfit and was one of the Blues main culprits when it came to giving away possession. Seems to be much more useful on the flanks. 
Fernando - 5Surprised everyone by making the starting eleven and almost gifted Luis Suarez an early opener with a negligent pass back to his goalkeeper. That early mistake flavoured his entire performance and he was completely overrun by Busquets and Rakitić in the centre of the field. Continues to prove that he probably isn't good enough to play at this level.
David Silva - 7Like Nasri, he struggled to make his mark whilst City were chasing the game, but the Spaniard always has the ability to unlock a piece of sorcery. His assist for Agüero's goal was brilliant and his creativity proved vital in his side's promising second half display.
Edin Džeko - 6In any other game, Džeko would have deserved to start after impressing against Newcastle United at the weekend, but against Barcelona, his place could have been filled by another midfielder who would have helped to plug Barcelona's fluidity. Missed City's best chance of the game.
Sergio Agüero - 8.5Ran Barcelona's defence ragged in the second half, drawing in fouls and dragging his side up the pitch. A fantastic finish ensured City still have a minor chance of progressing.
(all player images via www.skysportsnews.com)
Substitutes
Fernandinho - 8
Changed the game as he pressed Barcelona's central midfield into mistakes and drove a fine pass into the feet of Silva for City's goal. Why was he not started?
Wilfried Bony - 5
Seemed to injure himself almost immediately after entering the fray and looked off the pace.
Bacary Sagna - 6
Kept City relatively tight in the absence of Clichy.
