Sergio Aguero (Photo : Reuters)
After the 90-minute period, FC Barcelona edged out Manchester City, 2-1, during the first leg of the last-16 round of the EUFA Champions League.
The Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez scored Barcelona's two goal in the 16th and 30th minute. Manchester City's only goal was scored by Sergio Aguero in the 69th minute.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was still the first choice for Barcelona. At the heart of the Catalan's defense were Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique, according to Barca Blaugranes. The midfield was dominated by the Andres Iniesta-Ivan Rakitic duo.
FC Barcelona completely dominated the match controlling over 62 percent of possession and shot 15 times hitting its target six times.
Manchester City on the other hand was forced to play without Yaya Toure who is suffering from injury.
Many sports analysts criticized Man City's manager Manuel Pelligrini who opted for a 4-4-2 formation against one of the best team in the league. However, some believed that team captain Vincent Kompany's lackluster also cost his clubs loss.
Manchester City's defense just crumbles up with Kompany failing to defend Suarez's goals. Gael Clichy was sent off after two yellow cards in the 74th minute and Pablo Zabaleta gave away a foul on the stoppage time that gave Lionel Messi a penalty shot, according to ESPN FC. Thankfully for Manchester City, Messi missed the penalty shot.
Messi's stoppage time penalty shot could have cemented Machester City's exit in the Champions League. The English club will be facing the Catalan's with a one goal deficit.
The match was held at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England with more than 45,000 in attendance.
The second leg of the match will be played on Mar. 19 at FC Barcelona's home turf in Camp Nuo.
