Barcelona gained full control of Group C in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in a 4-0 home victory over Manchester City, with a Lionel Messi hat-trick sealing a comfortable win. Former Blaugrana manager Pep Guardiola saw his side ultimately undone by issues in possession and a second-half red card to goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
City began well, as movement up the right flank from Raheem Sterling and Pablo Zabaleta created chances in the early stages. An injury to Jordi Alba saw Barcelona manager Luis Enrique go to his bench early, as Lucas Digne was subbed on in the 10th minute.
Back in the starting line-up after a recent groin injury, Messi soon gave the hosts a lead that they would not relinquish. Streaking up the right side, Messi saw a pass inside to Andres Iniesta make its way back to him directly in front of goal. The Barcelona forward slotted home his first on the night, leaving Bravo and Fernandinho on the pitch in his wake.
Gerard Pique’s evening ended early in the first half also, as Jeremy Mathieu was brought on just before halftime. Two first-half injuries and another strong sequence from City seemed to be setting up a dramatic ending, but the straight red card issued to Bravo after coming off his line put the visitors in a difficult position.
Turnovers lead to two more goals from Messi in a span of eight minutes soon after Bravo was sent off. A loss of possession from Kevin De Bruyne ended with Messi striking near post on substitute goalkeeper Willy Caballero, and Luis Suarez seized a poor pass back to John Stones to provide the assist on the Argentine’s third goal.
Two yellow cards to Mathieu brought each team’s players level with ten a side, but by then it was too late for Manchester City. After missing a penalty kick two minutes earlier, Neymar added a fourth goal (89’) to finish off a dominant result.
Both clubs await a rematch on Tuesday November 1st at the Etihad Stadium in their next group stage contest.
PEP RETURNS
Pep Guardiola made his emotional return to Catalonia and knew he was in for a difficult challenge. His decision not to start striker Sergio Aguero was met with criticism before the match, but in the end losing Bravo to a red card was too much to overcome.
Despite strong pressure from various points in the match and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen needing to make several incredible saves, City simply could not find the needed breakthrough.
MESSI BACK IN THE STARTING LINE-UP
After a substitute appearance and scoring in Barcelona’s 4-0 league victory over Deportivo de La Coruna on Saturday, Lionel Messi recorded a statement of intent against his former manager Wednesday night.
Along with Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Barca frontline’s constant pressure forced poor decisions from City players and was too much to handle after going down a man.
INJURY CONCERNS FOR LUIS ENRIQUE
A strong win did come with some concerns for Barcelona, as both Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique were taken off in the first half due to injury.
How much time the duo miss could have an impact on both Barcelona’s Champions League and La Liga campaigns.
LINE-UPS
BARCELONA: Ter Stegen, Mascherano, Pique (Mathieu 39’, OFF 73’), Umtiti, Alba (Digne 10’), Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta (Gomes 80’), Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Unused subs: Masip, Rafinha, Turan, Alcacer
MANCHESTER CITY: Bravo (OFF 53’), Zabaleta (Clichy 57’), Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Gundogan (Aguero 79’), Silva, Sterling, Nolito (Caballero 57’), De Bruyne
Unused subs: Maffeo, Fernando, Navas, Sane
REFEREE: Milorad Mazic
Main Photo
