Manchester City Barcelona’d Barcelona to finally come off age in the Champions League. A magical night at the Etihad for the City supporters culminated in a 3-1 victory over the Nou Camp outfit. In a match which Pep Guardiola had described as a Cup final for his team, they did not disappoint and coupled with his brilliant tactics and excellent performances from all the players in the team, they finally cast aside their voodoo of Barcelona. 5 losses out of 5 with just 2 goals scored; a stat that didn’t really give them a chance before the match. But trust Pep to rally his troops and accomplish the seemingly insurmountable task.
Pep wants Manchester City to play like Barcelona and on last night’s evidence, a few years down the line, they just might.
With the result still fresh in the minds of both sets of supporters we take a brief look at the 3 talking points from last night’s game.
PEP GUARDIOLA’S MASTER PLAN COMING TOGETHER
It is a known fact that Manchester City strive to play the Barcelona way and Pep Guardiola’s appointment was seen as a huge step towards that goal. The Catalan has stressed the need for time in what he yearns to achieve but if last night’s display is anything to go by, the wheels are in motion and things are rapidly progressing as far the change in philosophy is concerned. Pep’s boys outfought, outthought and outclassed Barcelona in a 2nd half display which is befitting of praise of the highest order.
BARCA NOT ALL ABOUT MSN
It is a known fact that the crux of the Blaugrana is their explosive front line comprising of the three best attackers in the world. But to win a match against a team managed by Pep Guardiola and comprising of their own set of world class players you need a team effort and the absence of Iniesta, Pique and Jordi Alba was felt. And how.
Iniesta’s midfield mastery and his ability to link up play with the front three is a vital part of the set-up and Pique’s experience and solidity was sorely missed. Alba’s runs into the box were absent and Messi missed the late player arriving in the box to make use of his pinpoint lofted passes.
THE PREMIER LEAGUE SHOULD BE CITY’S TO LOSE
Though it is known that the teams in the Premier League might not be as strong as Barca but they will pose a different sort of threat to City. Teams are sitting back and playing on the counter against them thus the pace of the likes of Sterling, Navas and Sane is hard to utilise to the fullest. But the tremendous quality they possess with De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva and Aguero with Fernandinho mopping up all and sundry, Pep knows he can create something special with this team.
