It was job done for Tata Martino last night, as his Barcelona team convincingly beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad stadium. The scoreline was the least that Barca deserved. They controlled the game from the first whistle to the last, at times Manchester City were left chasing shadows. Messi and Xavi in particular were pulling the strings, ably assisted by Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas. The nil nil half time score flattered Pelligrini's side. They tried to attack on the break, but without Aguero they offered little. The breakthrough came on 54 minutes. Lionel Messi was bursting through … [Read more...]
Yaya Toure downbeat On City’s Chances
As the big game approaches, one man more than any other has an insight into tonight's Champion's League clash between Manchester City and Barcelona. Yaya Toure is a powerhouse in the centre of the sky blue midfield, as equally at home scoring spectacular goals as he is putting in crunching tackles. In his previous incarnation, he was an effective holding midfielder for an all conquering Barcelona team from 2007 to 2010. He was never a first choice midfielder but still contributed to their treble winning success in 2009. Manchester City fans would be expecting Yaya to rally to their cause, but … [Read more...]
Manchester City v Barcelona: Preview
Tonight sees a real clash of the Titans. The old guard versus the new kids on the block. Its Manchester City v Barcelona, and at stake is European domination. There are many similarities between the sides this season. Both have new and unproven managers, Pellegrini at City and Martino at Barca. Both like to attack, but can be vulnerable at the back. Both find themselves in a tight tussle at the top of their leagues. So who will win? If it was a matter of pedigree there would be no competition, of course. Barcelona have won the trophy (and its earlier equivalent) four times, Manchester City … [Read more...]
Record Breaking Messi Puts Barcelona Top
Barcelona destroyed Rayo Vallecano 6-0 on Saturday, to move back above Atletico Madrid on goal difference. Barca, and Lionel Messi in particular, are now moving back into top gear at just the right time of the season. It was an abject performance from Valladolid, who find themselves above only the already doomed Real Betis. Adriano scored the opening goal of the first half after only two minutes. Messi scored the second half an hour later. A superb long pass from Cesc Fabregas found Messi in space, and he wasted no time in lobbing Vallecano keeper Martinez. A two goal lead didn't do justice to … [Read more...]