The first leg of the last-16 Champions League clash between Manchester City and Barcelona took place at the Etihad on Tuesday evening.
City had the better of the chances in the first period despite conceding the majority of the possession, but neither side could break the deadlock.
That changed in the early stages of the second half when City centre-back Martin Demichelis received a red card for fouling Lionel Messi inside the box, with the Argentine forward sending his penalty past Joe Hart.
It got worse for City late on when Dani Alves converted from close range to hand the Spanish champions a two-goal cushion ahead of the second leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League coverage resumes this evening as Manchester City welcome Barcelona to the Etihad for their first leg of their last-16 clash. Remarkably, the two sides have never met in a competitive match, but there will be few surprises this evening with a number of connections between the two European rivals.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Fernandinho returns to the City XI this evening, while Martin Demichelis starts alongside Vincent Kompany in central defence. There is space for just one striker, however, with Alvaro Negredo leading the line. Barcelona, meanwhile, select Cesc Fabregas in a false nine position. Xavi and Andres Iniesta also start, but Neymar is only fit enough for the bench.
TEAMS:
CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernandinho, Toure; Navas, Silva, Kolarov; Negredo
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Messi, Fabregas, Sanchez
Interesting selection from City boss Manuel Pellegrini with Kolarov starting ahead of Clichy to counter the threat provided by Alexis Sanchez. Fernandinho slots into midfield with Yaya Toure, who will operate in a deeper position. Neymar is not regarded fit enough for the Barcelona XI, but the Brazilian is on the bench alongside Pedro. It promises to be a fascinating tactical battle this evening.
The pair have met six times in friendly matches, the first of which took place in 1952, when Barcelona were 5-1 winners. The Spanish side also won the next two fixtures, but have lost each of their last two matches with the English outfit – a 2-1 defeat in 2003 followed by a 1-0 loss in 2009. That said, those games will count for nothing this evening. The atmosphere is building...
After two failed attempts, City advanced into the knockout stages of the competition this season by finishing second in Group D behind holders Bayern Munich. The Premier League outfit won five of their six group matches, losing just once in the process. They ended their group campaign with a 3-2 win in Germany against Bayern Munich.
Remarkably, one more goal would have seen City top the group ahead of Bayern and indeed avoid facing Barcelona at this stage of the competition. However, City will be confident of advancing into the quarter-finals of the competition after proving their credentials this season. A quick word on the pitch, which is in wonderful condition this evening...
City might be in the last-16 stage of the competition for the first time, but their boss Manuel Pellegrini has experience in the Champions League having guided Villarreal to the quarter-finals in both 2006 and 2009, while last season the Chilean took Malaga into the final eight. The Spanish side were eventually knocked out by Borussia Dortmund in stoppage time.
City lost 3-1 at home to Bayern Munich on matchday two this season, but that is their only defeat in their last 23 European fixtures in Manchester. The English side's home record against Spanish clubs is also strong with two wins and two draws from their four matches. Last season, they drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in the group stages of the competition. I think the following sets the tone nicely for this evening...
It has been a record-breaking season for City in terms of goals, while they have failed to win just two of their 20 home games in all competitions this season, conceding just 18 times during that run of matches. What's more, Pellegrini's side have scored at least four times in 12 of those matches, which is a quite incredible statistic.
City are still in contention for four trophies in the latter part of the season. They will face Sunderland in the final of the League Cup, while they have been paired with Wigan Athletic in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It could prove to be a sensational campaign for City, but their confidence could be harmed should a heavy defeat occur over the two legs with Barca.
City have also been impressive in the Premier League with the former champions currently third in the table on 54 points. They have won 17 of their 25 matches, drawing three times and losing four. They had a perfect home record until a couple of weeks ago when Jose Mourinho's Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory at the Etihad.
Former England forward Gary Lineker believes that the battle between Demichelis and Messi could be key this evening, but fears for the City centre-back...
Barcelona, meanwhile, are seeking a seventh successive quarter-final appearance in the Champions League. What's more, the Spanish outfit have reached at least the semi-final stage on their last six attempts. The four-time winners are comfortably the most experienced of the two sides at this level of football and will hope to use that to their advantage.
The Spanish outfit lost the first leg of their last-16 clash to AC Milan last season, but bounced back with a 4-0 win at the Camp Nou. They have struggled on the road in recent European ties with just one win in their last six away matches, losing three times in the process, the last of which came against Ajax in the group stage.
Barcelona topped Group H ahead of Milan having won four of their six matches, scoring 16 times in the process and losing five. It was far from convincing, but the La Liga champions were are among the highest scorers in the competition this season. Take one look at their firepower and it is not too difficult to see why that is the case.
That said, Barcelona have not won in five away fixtures in England, most recently losing 1-0 to Chelsea in the 2011/12 semi-finals. Overall, their away record against Premier League opposition is won six, drawn eight and lost 14. They have also never won in Manchester, with four visits to Manchester United ending in two draws and two defeats.
The treble is still very much on for Barcelona with Gerardo Martino leading his side into the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will meet Real Madrid. Barca also currently sit top of La Liga, but they are joined on 60 points by Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in what promises to be one of the most fascinating title races in La Liga history.
While City are without their leading scorer Sergio Aguero, Barcelona have their full complement of attackers. Lionel Messi, despite an injury-plagued campaign, has scored 24 times in 27 games this season. Pedro has registered 17 in 38, while Alexis Sanchez also has 17 in 35. Finally, Neymar, who is on the bench this evening, has 12 in 27. Speaking of Messi...
PREDICTION: First and foremost, I am expecting a pulsating encounter this evening. Both sides have goals in their team, but I just think that Barcelona's superior quality will tell over the 90 minutes. I am finding it difficult to predict a City win based on the two lineups. My score prediction is 3-1 Barcelona on this mild evening in Manchester...
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League music erupts around the stadium. This is quite an occasion in Manchester. Let's hope that the events on the field live up to the pre-match billing. The tie will not be won this evening, but it could certainly be lost.
If City are to establish themselves on the world stage, these are the type of occasions that they will have to embrace. Barcelona have seen it all before, however, and look calm ahead of kickoff. Here we go then. The referee blows his whistle and the home side get the action underway at the Etihad. What an occasion!
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The home supporters expect that is for certain. Early pressing from City as Barcelona take control of the possession, which could be a feature of the match. You just get the feeling that City need to take something into the second leg at the Camp Nou.
It appears that Fabregas is playing in central midfield alongside Xavi and Busquets, with Iniesta operating from the left. Early domination in terms of possession for Barcelona as they continue to pass and probe in the City half, but Fernandinho steps across to challenge Messi at the vital second. Moments later, the Spanish side force a corner after bright work from full-back Alves.
It's bright work from the home side as Navas finds Zabaleta down the right. The Argentine feeds Negredo, but his cross is cleared by Mascherano. City enjoy a period of possession moments later, but Pique wins the aerial battle with Negredo. Brilliant intensity to the opening six minutes with both sides demonstrating their willingness to commit bodies in the final third.
Barcelona continue to force the issue in the final third with a sustained period of pressure, but neither side has been able to create a clear opening inside eight minutes at the Etihad. City have not really been allowed to settle due to not seeing the ball. The crowd, however, remain in fine voice.
It's bright work from Fabregas on the edge of the box as the Spaniard drops his shoulder before finding Messi, but Kompany is across with a fine challenge. The home side gain some possession down the other end moments later, but they move across the pitch before the danger is cleared. Tactically fascinating opening 10 minutes, but still no clear opportunities for either team.
Both the Barcelona full-backs are almost playing as wingers at the moment as the away side continue to utterly dominate possession of the ball. Plenty of short, incisive passing from Barcelona, but no clear chances thus far. It could be a long night for Negredo, who is extremely isolated in the Barca half. Goalless with 13 minutes on the clock at the Etihad, with City struggling to keep the ball.
Half-chance for the away side as Iniesta combines with Fabregas, who floats a cross towards the far post, but Sanchez cannot rise to meet the ball. Barcelona have had 74% of the ball in the opening 15 minutes, which is quite incredible at the Etihad. It remains one-way traffic in this last-16 Champions League first leg.
Positive moment for City as Negredo battles with Mascherano inside the Barcelona box, but the Argentine just manages to clear before Alves gains a free kick on the edge of his own box. The crowd responds to City pressing, but the home side are still struggling to move the ball in the Barcelona half. Still we wait the first chance with 17 minutes on the clock.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Busquets denies Silva with a fine challenge on the edge of the box, before Kompany clears a low cross from Messi. More of an even contest with the home side starting to move further up the pitch, with their supporters responding. Still goalless as the first period gathers pace.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Silva feeds Negredo, who bursts into the Barcelona box, but the Spaniard just takes it too wide at the vital moment and chips across the face of goal. Much better from the home side, with Barcelona looking nervous in defensive areas.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last few moments, but City are certainly seeing more of the ball. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments, meanwhile, due to a number of late challenges. Alves becomes the first player to enter the book following a late challenge on Clichy on the left.
Opportunity for City to threaten from a free kick as Fabregas fells Silva. The resulting set piece is delivered by the Spanish international and causes all sorts of problems inside the Barca box, but eventually the referee blows for a free kick as Toure challenges Valdes. Another nervy moment for the Spanish outfit.
City continue to raise the tempo in the final third as Valdes is twice forced to kick straight into touch. There is a sense that Barcelona are unsettled at the moment as Negredo attempts to combine with Silva on the edge of the box, but Mascherano clears. Negredo does have an effort on goal moments later, but Valdes stands firm to make the save.
The second yellow card of the match is handed to Negredo as the City striker dives into a challenge with Pique. Just a few signs that the Spanish outfit are starting to take control of the possession once more. However, the better chances have fallen the way of City inside the opening 30 minutes at the Etihad.
Positive period for Barcelona as Iniesta dances into the City box, but Kompany comes across to clear at the vital moment. Seconds later, Sanchez drives into the area, but the danger is cleared once more. Messi eventually takes matters into his own hands with an effort from distance, but it moves high of the crossbar.
Half-chance for the away side as Xavi strikes one from outside the box, but Hart gathers at the second time of asking after making a meal of the first effort. It appears that Barcelona have ridden the first storm of the evening with the La Liga side now controlling the tempo once more. Messi gains a free kick from Kompany moments later, but the Argentine's effort is straight into the wall.
City just need to regain their composure as the home side continue to concede free kicks around the edge of their own box. The opening 37 minutes has flown past, but clear opportunities have been at a premium. Negredo has a half-chance from a Kolarov cross, but his header is just wide of the post.
The foul count continues to rise as Kolarov enters the book for a late challenge on Busquets. Moments before, Negredo went down on the edge of the Barcelona box under contact from Mascherano, but the referee was not interested. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at the Etihad Stadium.
City just cannot keep the ball at the moment as they continue to concede free kicks, with the home supporters not best pleased with a number of decisions. Barcelona have certainly taken control of the possession once more, but a certain Messi has been extremely quiet in the opening 42 minutes...
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides preparing for the half-time interval. Barcelona have certainly dominated the possession, but the better chances have fallen to City. It has been tactically fascinating in the opening 44 minutes in Manchester.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Negredo meets a cross from Navas, but once more his effort just moves wide of the post. The Spaniard has looked the most likely this evening.
HALF-TIME: City 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Barcelona have dominated the possession, but the better chances have fallen to the home side, with Negredo coming closest for the Premier League side. It is delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 62%, but they have had just three attempts to City's five. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with Kolarov and Negredo entering the book for City and Alves for Barcelona.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Nasri, Dzeko and Jovetic. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of Pedro and Neymar in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. Elsewhere in Europe, PSG are beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in Germany. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect both managers will be considering alterations over the next 20 minutes or so. Not too much to report in the early stages of the half with both sides attempting to feel their way back into the Champions League encounter.
Negredo continues to cause problems with his presence in the final third, but Messi has been isolated for Barcelona thus far. Positive spell for City as they enjoy possession in the Barcelona half, but there is little atmosphere inside the stadium, which is strange for a match of this magnitude. Down the other end, Zabaleta manages to challenge Fabregas inside the City box.
Just a few signs that Barcelona are starting to warm to their task in the second period as they begin to dominate possession of the ball once more. Alba attempts to deliver towards Fabregas, but Zabaleta is on hand to make the block. Patient, probing football from the Spanish champions with 52 minutes on the clock.
PENALTY BARCELONA, RED CARD DEMICHELIS!
Barcelona have a penalty and City are down to 10 men as Demichelis fells Messi inside the box after the Argentine had broken through on goal. This match has turned in one moment.
GOAL! City 0-1 Barcelona (Messi, pen)
Messi strokes his penalty straight down the middle to send the Spanish champions into the lead. This match has changed in one moment. Can City respond? Surely they need to score ahead of the second leg.
Domination from Barcelona as they continue to pass and probe in the City half, with those inside the stadium shocked at what has happened in the last few minutes. It appears that Nasri will soon enter the field for the home side, which is not much of a surprise. Something needs to change for the Premier League outfit.
CHANCES! City just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Barcelona dominate in the final third. Messi and Alves both have efforts blocked, before Iniesta delivers into the arms of Hart. Moments later, City make two changes with Lescott and Nasri replacing Kolarov and Navas.
Another half-chance for the away side as Sanchez meets a cross from Fabregas, but the Chilean had just moved into an offside position. City break down the other end with Nasri moments later, but the Premier League side just cannot keep the ball. Little over 30 minutes of this Champions League last-16 first leg remaining.
Another free kick in a dangerous position as Zabaleta fells Pique down the left. The resulting set piece is taken by Xavi, but Hart punches clear. Alves picks up the rebound, but his effort is straight into a blue shirt. Nasri has a half-chance down the other end following good work from Negredo, but his effort is straight into the body of Pique from close range.
Another half-chance for the away side as Alves delivers a dangerous cross towards Sanchez, but Hart just manages to collect at the vital moment. City are doing their best to force the issue in the final third, but they are being crowded out by a number of Barcelona defenders. Little over 25 minutes remaining.
Was the challenge on Messi inside the box?...
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Alves drives down the right before finding Xavi on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Another goal for Barca would make it extremely difficult for City in the Camp Nou that is for certain.
CHANCE! Alves has a chance of his own this time after driving into the City box, but his low effort just misses the far post. One-way traffic with little over 20 minutes of football remaining. PSG, meanwhile, are 4-0 up against Leverkusen.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Clichy finds all sorts of space down the left before driving into the box, but his cross is straight into the arms of Valdes. Barcelona take control of the possession moments later and begin their passing sequence inside the opposing half. Surely there are more goals in this match.
City continue to enjoy positive moments on the counter attack, but there are not enough bodies forward to really cause Barcelona problems. Once more on another big European night, Messi has been the difference...
Barcelona make their first change of the evening as Neymar enters the field in place of Sanchez, who has been quiet this evening. Neymar scored a stunning goal at the weekend on his return from injury. City also make their final change moments later as Dzeko replaces Negredo, who has worked tirelessly this evening.
Mascherano becomes the latest player to enter the book for a late challenge on Toure just inside the City half. The referee has been called upon to deal with a number of those incidents this evening. The resulting free kick is played into the Barcelona box, but the danger is cleared. Still 1-0 Barca after 77 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Zabaleta sets up Silva inside the Barcelona box, but Valdes gets down well to make a wonderful save. Better from City with little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Etihad.
City's positive spell continues as they break forward with Toure, but his high cross is cleared by Pique. The pressure continues as the home side pass and probe outside the box, but eventually Lescott concedes a corner following a poor back-pass towards Hart. Not too much from Barcelona in the last few minutes.
Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Pique taps home from close range following a pass from Fabregas, but the Spaniard had been ruled offside - although replays have shown that the midfielder was level when the pass was made. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this European contest.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of some poor passing in the final third. Just a reminder that the second leg will take place at the Camp Nou next month. As it stands, Barcelona would enter as the red-hot favourites that is for certain.
Barcelona make their second change of the match with little under five minutes remaining as Fabregas is replaced by Sergi Roberto, who has been a regular for the Spanish outfit this season. You just get the feeling that there will be another big chance in the final stages. Both teams continue to commit numbers in the final third of the field.
Another half-chance for the home side as Silva delivers a wicked cross to the far post, but Valdes just manages to clear under pressure from Dzeko. Silva finds Nasri from the resulting corner, but his effort is straight at Kompany. The pressure continues following a deep cross from Zabaleta, but Pique manages to clear the danger at the vital moment.
GOAL! City 0-2 Barcelona (Alves)
Barcelona have their second of the evening in the final minute as Alves drives into the City box before rolling his effort into the bottom corner following smart work from Neymar. Game, set and match?!
Alves has been the pick of the bunch this evening and his goal might be decisive in this tie. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the last of those. Messi has another half-chance following bright work from Neymar, but his effort is straight at Hart.
FULL-TIME: City 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Goals from Messi and Alves hand Barcelona a 2-0 win in the first leg of their last-16 clash with Manchester City. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. Until next time!
