Barcelona recorded a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
City had the better of the chances in the first period despite conceding the majority of the possession, but the two teams entered the interval on terms.
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 attacker stepping forward to dispatch from the spot.
It got worse for City late on when Dani Alves converted from close range, leaving City with a tough task ahead of the second leg.
Match statistics
City
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 38%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 19
Barcelona
Shots: 10
On target: 7
Possession: 62%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
A two-goal defeat is perhaps slightly harsh on City, but it is difficult to argue that Barcelona did not deserve to emerge victorious this evening. The home side had their moments and arguably had the better chances, but the Spanish outfit always offered the impression that they could strike at any moment. City performed admirably in the second period with 10 men, but it was just a step too far for Manuel Pellegrini's side this evening.
City's performance
The Premier League outfit afforded Barcelona too much space in the opening 20 minutes or so, but certainly improved as the first period gathered pace. It would not have been unjust had City entered the interval with a lead, but Alvaro Negredo was guilty of missing a couple of half-chances. Pellegrini can also be pleased with his side's performance once they were reduced to 10 men as they continued to threaten the visitors, but Barcelona had chances to score more on the counter-attack.
Barcelona's performance
Despite a terrific season thus far, Barcelona entered the match amid criticism that their level had dropped over the last 12 months or so. Well, they answered a few questions this evening. Despite dominating possession, Gerardo Martino's side struggled to carve out clear opportunities in the first period, but they were more incisive in the second 45 minutes. That isn't to say that they were not troubled by City, but they controlled the tempo for long spells and were worthy winners.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Dani Alves: The Brazilian full-back just did not stop for Barcelona this evening with his attacking runs causing all sorts of problems to the home side. The right-back got his just reward in the latter stages when he scored his side's second from close range, while he was also impressive in defensive areas. There has been talk that Barcelona could let the 30-year-old depart in the summer, but he is still a player for the big occasion.
Biggest gaffe
There had been some concern over the selection of Demichelis prior to kickoff and the City defender did little to justify his inclusion in the XI. Too often the Argentine was poor in possession of the ball, while he saw red in the early stages of the second period for a late lunge on Messi. There is some debate as to whether the challenge was inside the box, but it was still a reckless piece of defending from the former Malaga centre-back.
Referee performance
Barcelona might feel that they should have had a penalty in the first period when Gael Clichy handled a cross from Alexis Sanchez, but referee Jonas Eriksson was not interested. The Swede issued three yellow cards during a feisty first 45 minutes, but his involvement grew in the second half. Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Demichelis felled Messi, although replays have shown that the initial contact was made outside the box. Eriksson's involvement continued in the latter stages due to a number of late challenges, but his linesman let him down in the final 10 minutes when he disallowed a Barcelona goal for offside, despite Cesc Fabregas being level when he teed up Gerard Pique inside the City box.
What next?
City: The Premier League outfit resume domestic duties at the weekend with a home clash against Stoke City.
Barcelona: Barcelona also return to domestic action on Saturday with a trip to top-four hopefuls Real Sociedad, who have lost just once on their own patch in La Liga this season.
Matt Law
