Man City helpless to deny magical Messi

Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday evening.

The last English team left in the UEFA Champions league before tonight’s game was Manchester City and even at that, they were huge favourites to join Arsenal and Chelsea in crashing out. After another impressive 90 minutes by Barcelona, it was all clear why almost everyone thought they couldn’t do the impossible.

Expectedly, Barcelona started the brighter side and an early interchange of passes presented Brazilian, Neymar, the opportunity to draw first blood. However, he struck the post. Manchester City were living dangerously and few minutes after Neymar’s effort, Messi stung the palms of Joe Hart.

With the Blaugrana bossing the game and leading in the tie, City needed to convert their chances, no matter how difficult it might be. And they did get an opportunity before the half-hour mark, but Milner miscued his shot inside the six yard box.

Finally, Barcelona got what proved to be the only goal of the game. Fullback, Jordi Alba intercepted a pass in his own half, broke through midfield and found Lionel Messi. Sizing his options, the Argentine sent in a beautiful cross field pass which found the on rushing Ivan Rakitic. Still having lot to do, Rakitic exhibited composure and class as he controlled the ball with his chest and then lobbed Joe Hart in goal.

Barcelona were already in full flight by now and just some minutes after Rakitic’s opener, they almost got a second. Neymar’s through pass made its way to Suarez who was alone in acres of space. The Uruguayan couldn’t produce his magic as his lob came off the post.

The second 45 was not much different from the first with Barcelona on top.

Once again, that man, Messi was the chief Architect. Going past couple of challenges, he found the marauding Jordi Alba. The fullback’s control was good, but couldn’t get his shot past Hart. Few minutes later, Messi attempted another effort which was parried by Hart. The Manchester City keeper was having an excellent game, avoiding them from being embarrassed.

Haven’t had much joy in the game, City’s David Silva finally got one. Tracking the movement of Sergio Aguero, Silva picked him out with a fine lofted pass, which he did well to bring down but Pique and Dani Alves were on on hand to mop up the danger.

That was as much as City could give until later on when they won a penalty kick. Although, before then, Joe Hart had stopped Messi, Suarez and Neymar, all one on ones from scoring and keeping the scoreline respectable.

City introduced Wilfried Bony and Jesus Navas in place of Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri respectively, with Navas coming in at the start of the second half. Frank Lampard also came in, in what might just be his last Champions league appearance. But before his introduction, City should have levelled.

Aguero ran into the 18 yard box with ball at his feet and as he tried to wiggle his way, Gerard Pique was rightly adjudged to have fouled him. City’s top scorer picked himself up to take the kick. However, it was a poor penalty which was easily saved by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

That was how closest City could go in this game and eventually lost out 3-1 on aggregate. Another poor European campaign for the current English champions.


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