BY MANNY K. SARPONG
Luis Suarez scored two goals on his return to haunt Manchester City’s hopes of Champions League glory as they lost 2-1 at home to the mighty Barcelona. They now face a very tricky second leg in Spain at the Nou Camp.
On a night that had elements of déjà vu, the former Liverpool star struck twice in under 30mins to put his team ahead and quickly diminish any hopes of City avenging last year’s defeat.
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A curling cross from Barcelona’s star player Messi bounced off City’s defender Kompany and the ball fell very kindly for Suarez to make the most of his fortune. He blasted it powerfully into the back of net to put his team ahead.
Magic-man Messi again masterminded the play as he dribbled past three City defenders before playing through Jordi Alba, who picked out the Uruguayan forward with a fine cross. Suarez run through in between two defenders to slot the ball in the net. Typical poachers goal. Probably the best moment yet in Luis Suarez short Barcelona career.
City had a few chances to get a foot back in the game but the Barcelona defence were superb in suppressing their attempts. On the stroke of half time, Nasri took a powerful shot at goal but the Catalans keeper was equal to the task with a fine save to deny a goal. Barcelona continued to play a simple passing game, control over the ball equals control of the game.
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The half time break was imminent for Man City to regroup, to get a grasp of the game, to improve and stay in the tie. At times it seemed City had been chasing shadows.
Man City started the second half brightly, encouraging with high tempo but a long way to come back though. Their best chances fell to Edin Dzeko, with two courageous headers going straight into the keeper’s arms.
City made two tactical changes with Fernandinho coming on to replace Nasri and new signing Wilfred Bony coming on to replace Dzeko. The system didn’t change, still playing the 4-4-2 formation with top scorer Aguero and Bony upfront. But increased the intensity of the game.
With twenty minutes to go, City pushed forward in search of a goal and were rewarded when substitute Fernandinho played a through ball to Silva who flicked the ball on for Aguero to pounce on it. He blasted the ball into the top corner to give his team a fighting chance. It seemed City were back in the game as the home crowd roared them on.
However, shortly after, City’s efforts were stumbled when a rush challenge by Clichy on Dani Alves earned him his second yellow card resulting to him being sent off. City now had to play with 10men for the remaining 15mins. Echoes of last years tie, when Demichelis was sent off. Defender Bacary Sagna, in an attempt to keep the scores at 2-1 and live to fight another day, replaced David Silva.
Perhaps things got worse when 2mins into extra time Barcelona were awarded a penalty for a rushed tackle on Messi by fellow countryman Zabaleta in the box. But Messi’s penalty was saved by keeper Joe Hart and City were handed a massive lifeline when he also missed the rebound with a header. The penalty miss was disappointing coming from one of the world’s best player, but serves as a reminder that no player is infallible.
The referee blew for the final whistle, keeping the scores at 2-1. Barcelona have been a joy to watch with the exciting three upfront. Messi, Neymar and Suarez have all been superb tonight and City’s chances of qualifying for the next stage now looks very dim indeed.
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