Despite winning hearts and praise for their valiant performances, it’s the result that matters and Manchester City couldn’t find the result they hoped for. 2 goals from Messi and Dani Alves either side of a consolation goal from Vincent Kompany saw the Catalans cruise to a 4-1 aggregate victory over the Citizens
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Víctor Valdés – 7/10
The Spanish keeper had to make a fine save from Džeko’s header besides that he rarely tested for the rest of the game.
Dani Alves – 7/10
Typically impressive both in defence and complimenting all Barca attacks with over-lapping runs. His goal to add to his first-leg strike was the icig on he cake for the Brazilian full-back..
Gerard Pique – 6/10
Hardly ever troubled during the game. Other than the failed penalty claim by City the Spaniard was rarely troubled. One of the much-more easier evenings that he will encountered.
Javier Mascherano – 6/10
Steadily growing influential at Barca. The Argentine was rarely troubled. Playing in his unfavoured centre-back role he had a comfortable outing.
Jordi Alba – 6/10
Very impressive game after missing Barca’s defeat at the weekend. The Spaniard conducted himself well against the likes of Nasri and caused problems at the other end too.
Xavi – 6/10
The Spanish international was at his usual influential best at the heart of the Barca midfield. Midfield masterclass.
Sergio Busquets – 6/10
The defensive-holding midfielder carried out his dutes well, rarely under pressure and dealt with any threats to the defence.
Cesc Fàbregas – 7/10
Former Gunner was lively and a constant threat to City throughout the game.
Neymar – 7/10
Very unfortunate no to get on the score-sheet after his goal was ruled offside in the first-half, visibly still struggling to fully fantastic find his form following injury.
Lionel Messi (man of the match) – 8/10
Argentian Ballon D’Or winner was a constant threat. A well-deserved goal and a complete performance.
Andrés Iniesta – 7/10
The elusive Spaniard put in another reassuring performance following his absence from the weekend game due to personal reasons.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Joe Hart – 6/10
England’s no.1 couldn’t do much about Messi’s goal. A decent performance.
Pablo Zabaleta – 5/10
Typically steady. Wasted a brilliant second-half chance to put City ahead. Unfortunate to be sent off for showing dissent for what was a stone-wall penalty.
Vincent Kompany – 8/10
Inspirational, tough-as-nails and brilliant throughout the game the Manchester City captain led by example. Kompany was typically ever reliable in defence and put in a performance that outshone his defensive colleagues.
Joleon Lescott – 4/10
The writing is on the wall for Lescott. His sloppy mistake almost gifted Messi. Highly unlikely to retain his place in the starting line-up and could be on his way out too.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 5/10
Lacked authority and command over the ball like he normally does. The left-back failed to make any impact going forward and was increasingly under-pressure defensively.
Fernandinho – 5/10
Other than a clearance off the line in the first half. The Brazilian struggled to make any further impact on the game.
Yaya Touré – 6/10
The younger Toure produced a quiet performance. City needed much more from the former Barca man to stand a chance at upsetting the Spanish giants.
James Milner – 6/10
Hardworking and did a lot of running. But as it has been the case with the Englishman many times before, quite simply lacked quality in the final third.
David Silva – 7/10
The little-diminutive playmaker exquisitely set up Nasri for City’s best first-half chance. Had quite a few nice touches but couldn’t fully leave his mark on the game.
Samir Nasri – 6/10
The Frenchman squandered a great chance in the game but failed to continue his goal-scoring run. Very wasteful in the final third.
Sergio Agüero – 4/10
Visibly struggled for match fitness and after a literally-anonymous first-half suffered a suspected re-occurrence of a hamstring injury.
