Pep Guardiola was very happy after conquering Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Manchester City defeated a not so strong Barcelona 3-1 with a brace from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne scored from a stunning free kick. Lionel Messi scored the solitary goals for The Catalans.
Barcelona thrashed City 4-0 a fortnight ago in a one-sided affair. Pep started Sergio Aguero from the start while Barcelona missed a host of players including Andres Iniesta and defensive stalwart Gerard Pique.
Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the lead from a quick counter attack at the stroke of 21 minutes. Gundogan, however, drew his team level on 39 minutes after a defensive error of Barcelona. Kevin De Bruyne then scored a scorching free kick and Gundogan netted his second of the night as City completed the demolition.
Guardiola emphasised the importance of this win after the match, “Considering the short time we’ve been together, against the best team in the world, our victory today is so important. Now we have one more game to win.”
“Our [equalising] goal changed everything for our mood, the players realised the bad moment was over.
I think we showed many, many good things, I am so happy for the players, and they didn’t deserve to go six winless.
We got to know each other better tonight, and we’re lucky that if we get through, we won’t get Barca in the next round!”
