Match Analysis: Manchester City Earn Huge 3-1 Victory over Barcelona
By Larry Henry
Manchester City bounced back in a huge way on Matchday #4 of the UEFA Champions League as they defeated Barcelona 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
After suffering a 4-0 defeat at the Camp Nou two weeks ago, Pep Guardiola‘s side looked the better side after a huge second half carried them to three points. With Claudio Bravo sitting out due to suspension, Willy Caballero started in-goal. Sergio Aguero started up-top, while Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, and Raheem Sterling all started in attacking roles.
Fernandinho started in-front of the back-four which featured Alex Kolarov, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, and Pablo Zabaleta.
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The dangerous trio of Leo Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez all started for Luis Enrique‘s side.
Sterling’s quick offensive pressure forced a challenge by Samuel Umtiti inside the box and easily looked like a foul. However, Sterling was given a yellow-card by referee Viktor Kassai who assumed Sterling made the most of the challenge.
Leo Messi put the visitors in front in the 21st minute after he slotted home an assist from Neymar into the bottom-left corner. The Citizens fought back and got an equalizer just before halftime as Ilkay Gundogan finished an assist from Sterling from close range in the 39th minute. A poor passage of play by Barcelona out of the back created the chance for Manchester City and they took the most of it.
Six minutes into the second half, Kevin De Bruyne put City up 2-1 after he bent a right-footed free kick into the right side of the net. Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen got a palm to the shot but couldn’t keep it out of the goal. Barcelona almost made it 2-2 in the 65th minute but Andre Gomes‘ saw his shot go off the crossbar.
Barcelona fought for an equalizer but were left short at the back and City’s constant pressure broke them down for a third time. In the 74th minute, Gundogan finished off a deflection inside the box which made it 3-1 to the hosts. A cross meant for Aguero deflected off the Argentine’s arm and perfectly to Gundogan in the center of the box.
Barcelona continued to try to fight back but ultimately finished second-best on the day and fell 3-1. The visitors led in possession 65%-35% but only had two shots-on-target out of eight in total. Manchester City had four shots-on-target but made three of them count and earned a huge three points because of it.
After bouncing back in league-play on Saturday at West Brom, the Citizens were able to make some terrific runs and counter-attacks against Barcelona. Kevin De Bruyne easily was the man of the match with Gundogan a close second. Also, the back-line made some key plays and kept Suarez, Neymar, and Messi in check for most of the match.
The victory will go down as one of the best in team history and keeps City alive in winning Group C. Barcelona still lead the group with nine points, but Manchester City sit in second with seven.
Next: How Manchester City Can Still Finish Top Of Champions League Group C?
Up next in the Champions League is a road-trip to Germany to face Borussia Monchengladbach on November 23rd. According to BBC Sport, a victory against the German-side will send Manchester City through to the knockout-stages.
Until then, MCFC will host Middlesbrough in Premier League play on Saturday looking to make in three victories in a row in all comps.