Manchester City welcomed Barcelona to the Etihad on Tuesday for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.
A first-half double from Luis Suarez on his return to England left the visitors in charge at the interval.
City improved in the second period and had one back after 69 minutes through Sergio Aguero, but the home side were reduced to 10 men for the final 15 minutes when Gael Clichy was given his marching orders.
Lionel Messi had the chance to score a third for Barca from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but the Argentine was denied by Joe Hart.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Etihad as Manchester City welcome Barcelona for the first leg of their last-16 clash. It is perhaps the standout fixture at this stage of the competition, with a number of the world's finest players on display.
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernando, Milner; Nasri, Silva, Aguero; Dzeko
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
So there we have it. James Milner comes into the City XI tonight in place of the suspended Yaya Toure, while Manuel Pellegrini has also selected Edin Dzeko in a forward area alongside leading scorer Sergio Aguero. Samir Nasri also starts in what is an attacking side, while Martin Demichelis has been given the nod alongside the captain Vincent Kompany at centre-back. Pellegrini is going for it!
Barca boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, as expected, has recalled Javier Mascherano and Ivan Rakitic after the pair sat out Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Malaga. There are no real surprises in the remainder of the team, with the deadly trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all starting. Barca's bench is also extremely strong tonight, with the likes of Pedro, Xavi and Rafinha all in reserve.
These two sides met at this stage of the competition last season, and it was Barcelona that advanced into the quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate. They comfortably won 2-0 in this stadium, before recording a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou. Indeed, last season's meeting was the first time that the pair had ever met in a competitive match, with City very much newcomers to the European game.
In truth, there is just no comparing these sides at this level of football. This is just City's second appearance in the round of 16, but it is Barca's 11th in a row. The Spanish side are also bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the eighth successive season and will again enter this two-legged affair as the favourites. Can City give themselves a chance ahead of the second leg next month?
City pulled off a serious escape act to qualify from Group E this season. They only took two points from their first four fixtures, which left them in a very precarious position at the bottom of the section. However, wins over Bayern Munich and Roma saw Manuel Pellegrini's side finish second behind Bayern and secure their spot in the knockout stages for the second successive season.
However, their home record in Europe has been fairly poor truth be told. The 3-2 victory over Bayern was just their third victory in their last 10 European home fixtures. That said, their home record against Spanish sides is won two, drawn two and lost one. You just get the feeling that City need to secure a first-leg advantage if they are to stand a chance at the Camp Nou in the second leg.
While City are very inexperienced in European football, they have a manager that knows what it takes to reach the quarter-finals. Pellegrini twice reached the last eight with Villarreal (2006 and 2009), while he also led underdogs Malaga to the quarters in 2012. That said, during nine seasons coaching in Spain, Pellegrini only recorded four wins over Barcelona – losing 14 times in the process.
City will enter the match off the back of a 5-0 win over Newcastle United at the weekend, with the victory moving the Premier League champions to within five points of the leaders Chelsea. They have only won two of their last five games in all competitions, however, while their league form at home this season has been pretty shaky – dropping points in five of their 13 matches thus far.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 loss at home to Malaga in La Liga. Prior to that fixture, the Catalan outfit had won their last 11 games in all competitions to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid and reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. As it stands, they sit second in La Liga – four points behind Real Madrid with 14 games of the season remaining.
Barca's victory at City last season was just their first win in five trips to Manchester, with the other four fixtures occurring at Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United. It was also their first success on English soil since they beat Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley. In total, their record away to English opposition is won seven, drawn eight and lost 14.
As touched upon, the Spanish side are pursuing a place in the quarter-finals for the eighth successive season. They have won the competition on four occasions, but were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals last term. Barca also lost out to Atletico in the league on the last day of the season and there is no question that the hierarchy expect a much stronger challenge this time around.
Barca lost their first away match in this campaign at Paris Saint-Germain, but then won at Ajax and APOEL. They faced a battle to top the group following PSG's strong form, but the Spanish side secured first position with a 3-1 win over Laurent Blanc's side on matchday six. They might have expected to face Roma at this stage, but City came from nowhere to book their spot in the last-16.
Barca's defence has been much criticised in recent seasons, but they only conceded five times in their six group matches, while they have the best defensive record in Spain this term. Down the other end, the goals have also seriously flowed, with Lionel Messi hitting 37 goals in 34 games this season and the excellent Neymar registering 24 in 29. Those two will be keen to make their mark this evening.
What of Luis Suarez? The Uruguay international has netted seven times in 21 games since making his debut back in November. Those numbers are not quite as impressive as some would have thought, but he has certainly aided Messi and Neymar in the final third. The striker is back on English soil this evening and will be keen to make his mark following his explosive stay in the Premier League.
City boss Pellegrini has had this to say ahead of the match: "Last year was different. Last year we arrived here after 19 games in two months and I don't think it was our best period. This year I hope we do it. My team are in good form, but we recognise that we are playing a very strong side," the Chilean has been quoted as saying by UEFA.com. Do they have a chance? We shall soon see.
PREDICTION! I am astounded at City's team selection tonight to be honest. They have gone very attacking and it could be their undoing. Are City better than last season? I am not sure. I am finding it difficult to predict anything other than a fairly comfortable away win. For me, 3-1 Barcelona.
Here we go then. Little over five minutes until kickoff at the Etihad. There has been a lot of talk pre-match - understandably - let's hope that matters on the field reflect that. If City are to go down tonight, then they might go down trying. The players will soon join us on the field in Manchester.
No casino trips for Pique and Messi this evening, although there are a few good ones in Manchester. Tonight is all about the football. The pitch is in excellent condition here - no excuses about that!
Here we go then. Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Aguero, Silva - all super players and indeed among the best in the world. Who will come out on top? It is the away side that get the first half underway.
As expected, Barca have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Pique, Mascherano and Ter Stegen enjoying touches early on in Manchester. City will have to spend long periods without the ball, but they have the players to hurt Barcelona down the other end here.
Messi delivers a sensational pass towards Neymar, but Kompany is across to clear for a corner.
City break down the other end with Nasri, who feeds a super pass into Aguero, but Mascherano is across to clear the danger, with Barca eventually moving into the City half with possession.
Barca have had the majority of the ball in the opening six minutes, but not too much to speak of in terms of chances as Alba crosses out of play from a wide position. Fairly muted start from City.
Half-chance for City as Milner floats a long ball into Dzeko, who turns and strikes, but Pique makes the block as City force a throw. Good spell for the home side in the last minute or so. Still 0-0 here.
City have a free kick just outside the box as Mascherano brings Aguero to the ground. It was poor from Neymar in the build-up, with the Brazilian losing out to Zabaleta. Can City capitalise here...
... Milner goes low, but Barca make the block and the chance is gone. Poor from the midfielder.
City are enjoying a good spell at the moment, with Messi having a pass intercepted by Zabaleta, who immediately looks forward. The home side are certainly adopting a high-pressing game, but Barca have still had more of the ball in the opening 11 minutes. No real chances to speak of thus far.
Half-chance for Barca as Neymar moves past Zabaleta before feeding Messi, but Demichelis is across to make the smart challenge. Excellent from Neymar there, who is having a really super season.
CHANCE! Really good chance for Suarez as the Barca forward drives beyond the City defence, but he cuts back and then has a cross blocked. Eventually, the former Liverpool striker gets a shot off, but his effort is wide of the post. Just a few signs that the match is starting to open up.
City remain inventive in the final third as Milner attempts to pick out Dzeko, but his pass is too strong. Neymar, meanwhile, is currently off the field changing his boots. Get back on the pitch!
GOAL! Man City 0-1 Barca (Suarez)
It had to be him didn't it! Suarez is back on English soil and back among the goals as he lashes one into the bottom corner after it fell nicely for the striker inside the box. Unfortunate for Kompany, who could do little, but it was still an excellent finish. First blood to the Catalan outfit tonight.
City really have to remain in the game. Barca could put this beyond them with a strong first-half performance here. It is the Barcelona supporters making most of the noise at the moment.
Another half-chance for the away side as Alves delivers a deep cross into Suarez, who strikes one on the volley, but it hits Kompany. City are down the other end with Nasri moments later, the ball is eventually worked wide, but Dzeko's header was always moving wide of the post. Better there.
Alba is down the left for Barca, but it is poor from the defender, who misses Neymar, Messi and Suarez. Eventually Alves gathers Alba's cross, but the Brazilian then fires straight out of play.
Possession football for Barca at the moment as they pass and probe in the final third. City's lack of a third midfielder is showing when the away side are in control of the ball. You just get the feeling that City need to score the next goal here. Another for Barca would give them a mountain to climb.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for Suarez to score his second for Barca, but the striker is denied by Hart from close range. It was far too easy for Barca to break through the City midfield there.
The opening 28 minutes of this clash have flown past and to be honest, Barca have been in control. City have had bits and pieces in the final third, but Barca continue to look the more threatening.
Rakitic is very advanced for Barcelona at the moment, with the Croatian finding pockets in the final third. Suarez has made the difference thus far, however, with the striker scoring one and having another golden chance. Barca continue to boss possession with multiple passes in the City half.
GOAL! Man City 0-2 Barca (Suarez)
Magic Messi! Stunning feet from the Argentine as he dances past three defenders before feeding Alba, who threads a low cross into Suarez and the striker converts from close range. Tie over?
CHANCE! Almost three for Barca as Neymar finds himself unmarked inside the box before looping one over Hart, but Kompany is back to clear. This is getting embarrassing for City here.
Dzeko has possession in the final third for City, but the striker's low cross is cleared as Barca break forward once more. Little over 10 minutes of this first period remaining and City are struggling.
CHANCE! Another chance for Barca as Messi combines with Neymar before attempting to slide one past Hart, but the City goalkeeper just does enough before winning a free kick.
City and indeed the stadium are shell-shocked at the moment. Barca have just been too good in the final third, with Messi starting to weave his magic. If it isn't Messi, it is Neymar, or Suarez, who has scored both goals. This Barca team can hurt you from so many angles at any point in the game.
City want a penalty as Dzeko fires one at Pique, but the referee is not interested in the shouts for handball. Messi attempts to run Kompany down the other end, but the Argentine slips and the danger is cleared. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, which will not suit City here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with City attempting to settle matters down with a period of possession. Barca are so comfortable in defence at the moment.
CROSSBAR! Barca come close to a third as Alves breaks down the right before attempting to chip Hart inside the box, but his effort hits the top of the crossbar. So unlucky there!
BOOKING! Alves (Barca) is booked for a foul on Aguero.
CHANCE! Better from City as Aguero feeds Nasri on the edge of the box, but Ter Stegen is down to deny the Frenchman with a smart save. The resulting corner, however, is cleared.
HALF-TIME: Man City 0-2 Barca
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of two goals from a certain Luis Suarez. It could have been more, with Suarez having a couple more half-chances and Alves hitting the crossbar. City have just been unable to influence the game here.
STATS! Barca have had more of the possession with 59%, while they have had eight attempts - three of which have been on target. City, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their five attempts. There has been just one booking at the Etihad, with Alves carded for a challenge on Aguero.
BENCH WATCH! City boss Pellegrini does have options for a change tonight, with the likes of Bony, Lampard and Navas in reserve. Will there be an alteration at the interval? Barca, meanwhile, not that they need it at the moment, have attacking options in the shape of Pedro, Xavi and Rafinha.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can City find a route back into this match? We shall soon see as City get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-0 Barca for the next 20 minutes or so. Fernando has a half-chance from City's first corner of the match, but Barca just manage to scramble it clear.
It has been a decent start to the second period from City, but they really, really need a goal. Dzeko meets another corner from Silva, but his header was always moving wide of Ter Stegen's post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Aguero sets up Nasri inside the box, but the Frenchman's effort is blocked by an excellent challenge from Mascherano. All City here.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a chance! Dzeko has a stunning opportunity to score after finding space inside the box from a corner, but his header is straight at Ter Stegen, Had to score!
Barca are straight down the other end and force a free kick through Messi...
... Messi delivers, but City manage to clear their lines.
Half-chance for Barca this time as Suarez searches out Messi with an excellent pass, but Kompany just does enough to clear, before Neymar hits the side netting. You just get the feeling that it is now or never for the home side. They cannot go into the second leg in this position, or indeed worse.
CHANCE! Another chance for City, this time for Aguero as the Argentine drives past two defenders before attempting to curl one into the far post, but his effort is just wide. Unlucky!
Barca's turn to force the issue as Messi keeps on going after finding space in the final third, before eventually sliding in Rakitic, but his effort is deflected for a corner. End-to-end football here.
City again threaten as Clichy slides a pass into the channel, where Dzeko collects, but Pique is on hand to make a super challenge. Suarez is then on hand to clear the resulting corner from Silva.
Another half-chance for the home side as Demichelis rises highest inside the Barca box following a deep free kick, but Ter Stegen is on hand to collect. The Barca goalkeeper is having a strong game.
BOOKING! Clichy (Man City) picks up a booking for a late challenge on Rakitic. That is the French defender ruled out of the second leg next month. Double whammy for City there.
Well, City have definitely had the better of the second period, but still do not have a goal to show. Barca, meanwhile, are starting to pick up free kicks in dangerous areas of the field. Still 2-0.
SUB! City make their first change as Fernandinho replaces Nasri.
City continue to threaten with a corner from the right, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger as Barca keep their clean sheet in tact. At 2-0, for me, this tie is over. City have to score tonight.
Half-chance for the away side as Rakitic finds some space in the final third before trying his luck on goal, but his effort was always rising high and wide. Wilfried Bony will soon enter for City here.
Barca threaten a third as Messi picks out a high ball before attempting to find Suarez, but the striker has his effort blocked. City are down the other end moments later, but Pique denies a low cross from Aguero. Excellent defending from Pique to prevent what would have been a certain goal.
SUB! City make their second change as Bony replaces Dzeko.
GOAL! Man City 1-2 Barca (Aguero)
City are back in the tie as Aguero collects an excellent flick from Silva before finishing into the top corner. It is a lifeline for the Premier League champions there is no question about that.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Rakitic is replaced by Mathieu.
Aguero attempts to go alone this time after finding space outside the box, but Pique is back to make the challenge. Bony then collects a loose ball, but scuffs his effort wide as Barca survive once more.
RED CARD! CLICHY!
City are reduced to 10 men as Clichy picks up a second yellow card for a high challenge on Alves. It was late and indeed dangerous from the Frenchman, who has let his team down here.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Adriano replaces Alves.
PENALTY SHOUT! Barca want a penalty as Zabaleta lunges in on Alba inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Correct decision, it was a good last-ditch challenge from the Argentine.
CHANCE! Barca come close to a third as Messi pokes one towards goal after a cross from Alba, but Hart pushes his effort over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that there is another goal here.
SUB! City make their third change as Sagna replaces Silva.
Do City go for a second goal? Or do they take the 2-1 defeat? A lot could happen in the final 10 minutes of this match. As it stands, it is still very much advantage Barca in this tie.
SUB! Barca make their third change as Pedro replaces Neymar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but City are still attempting to force the issue in the final third. The referee, meanwhile, has had to step in following an altercation between Busquets and Demichelis in the middle of the park. Still 2-1 Barca at the Etihad.
Suarez - who has not really been in the game in the second period - is caught offside once more.
Half-chance for Adriano as the Brazilian meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is blocked. Just a few signs that Barca want a third goal here as we approach the final five minutes.
Barca remain the team on the front foot, but there have not been too many chances since Clichy was given a red card. Is there to be late drama in this one? One goal for either would mean so much.
BOOKING! Adriano (Barca) is booked for a rash challenge on Aguero.
BOOKING!! Fernando (City) is booked for bringing Suarez to the ground.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Messi has the ball in the back of the net for Barca, but the Argentine was just offside when he finished from inside the box. Just about the correct decision there.
We are into the second of three added minutes here.
Barca remain on the front foot in the final stages, but it appears it will end 2-1.
PENALTY BARCELONA!
Barca have a penalty as Zabaleta brings Messi to the ground. Terrible challenge!
SAVE! Hart denies Messi from the spot! The rebound falls for the Argentine, but he then heads wide of the post. Incredible end to this match. Hart has kept City in the tie there.
FULL-TIME: Man City 1-2 Barca
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close, with Barca running out 2-1 winners at Manchester City. It really should have been 3-1, but Messi missed from the spot in the final minute of stoppage time. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
