Barcelona beat Manchester City 2-1 in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash at the Etihad on Tuesday.

Luis Suarez scored twice for the visitors, before Sergio Aguero netted in the second period for an improved City, who finished the match with 10 men following a red card for Gael Clichy.

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 as City kept their slim hopes of qualification alive.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed.

MAN CITY

Goal

Joe Hart: Could not do much for either of Barcelona's goals, but made a super save to deny Messi from the penalty spot late on and keep City's slim qualification hopes alive. (7/10)

Defence

Pablo Zabaleta: Had a difficult night at the Etihad. Found Neymar tough to handle in the first period and conceded a penalty late on for a really rash challenge on Messi. (5/10)

Vincent Kompany: Was given the runaround in the first period as Suarez sent Barca 2-0 ahead. Improved in the second half, but it was a disappointing performance from the centre-back. (5/10)

Martin Demichelis: Was heavily criticised last season, but used all of his experience to put on a strong show here. Easily the best of City's defenders on the night. (7/10)

Gael Clichy: Struggled to make his mark in a forward area, while he will now miss the second leg after picking up a red card - two bookable offences - for a rash challenge on Dani Alves. (5/10)

Midfield

Fernando: Really struggled to contain Barcelona in the first period, but like a number of his teammates, improved in the second, when he had much more bite. (6/10)

James Milner: Did not look comfortable when operating alongside Fernando in the first period, but grew into the match. Finished the game in a wide area and looked a threat. (6/10)

Samir Nasri: Had a couple of golden chances, but could not find the back of the net. Looked bright in patches, but was eventually replaced by Fernandinho just past the hour. (6/10)

Attack

David Silva: Lacked service in the first period, but set up Aguero for City's goal with a clever flick in the second. Always a threat when he found pockets of space. (6/10)

Edin Dzeko: Had a golden chance early in the second period, but headed straight at the Barca goalkeeper. Made some bright runs, but did not have much influence for long spells. (6/10)

Sergio Aguero: Once again City's go-to man, with the Argentine netting after 69 minutes. Was hardly seen in the first period, but was heavily involved in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Substitutes

Fernandinho: Entered just past the hour and helped City gain greater control of the ball. Was a real surprise that the Brazilian did not start. (7/10)

Wilfried Bony: Made his Champions League debut after coming on in the 68th minute, but it did not happen for the Ivorian, who looked a little off the pace. (5/10)

Bacary Sagna: Slotted in at left-back for the final 10 minutes and did a good job. (6/10)

BARCELONA

Goal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Could not do much for City's goal, while the German had a strong night overall. Made a number of smart saves and his distribution was also excellent. (7/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: Hit the crossbar during an impressive first-half performance, but the right-back struggled a little in the second period before being replaced after 75 minutes. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Had a super night at the heart of the back four. Made a number of excellent blocks and was always in control when his teammates went walkabouts. (8/10)

Javier Mascherano: Had a couple of poor moments positionally, but like Pique, the Argentine made some strong challenges in the first period. Far from his best, but not too much wrong. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Set up Suarez for Barca's second with an excellent cross, while he remained a threat throughout the match. Another good night for the Spaniard. (7/10)

Midfield

Sergio Busquets: Had a really strong first period as Barca outnumbered City in midfield, but the Spaniard was certainly tested on a more regular basis in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Andres Iniesta: Kept things ticking over in midfield, but failed to make a serious impact. (6/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Took up some good positions in the final third and had a couple of half-chances. Was the player sacrificed though, when Luis Enrique pushed Mascherano into midfield. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Had bits and pieces in the first period, but not too much in the second. Looked a threat in possession, but it was not really the Brazilian's night. (6/10)

Lionel Messi: Caused City all sorts of problems with his guile in the final third, but could not cap an excellent performance with a goal from the penalty spot late on. (8/10)

Luis Suarez: Scored a first-half brace on his return to England. Gave City's defence nightmares in the first period, but found things tougher after the break. (8/10)

Substitutes

Jeremy Mathieu: Did well to pick up the pace of the match after replacing Rakitic 20 minutes from time. Height came in handy from set pieces and crosses. (6/10)

Adriano: Like Mathieu, did not take long to get up-to-speed when he replaced Alves late on. (6/10)

Pedro: Barcelona's resident substitute replaced Neymar for the final 10 minutes, but could not make a serious impact. Has found it really hard to secure a regular starting role this season. (5/10)