Manchester City made a thrilling comeback to run Barcelona raged and secure a fully deserved Champions League victory at Etihad Stadium. Coach Pep Guardiola was left thrilled after Manchester City revived their Champions League bid by defeating old club Barcelona in 3-1 in a gloriously open Group C encounter. IIkay Guendogan scored twice and Kevin De Bruyne netted a superb free kick in a magnificent display from the home side. Manchester City has now seven points from four matches two behind the leaders Barca. Lionel Messi’s 90th Champions League goal, a counter attacking masterpiece complete with cool finish from Neymar’s pass put Barcelona in control as half time approached.
Earlier Guardiola’s methods were questions after City’s 4-0 defeat at the Nou Camp but this victory erased everything for its Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi based owners had in mind. This victory showed every aspect of the game where one could see Guardiola’s hallmarks in attacking, passing, movement and the willingness to take on the best without for saking his principles.
City will feel that after beating Barcelona in this manner they can be a match for anyone. Kevin de Bruyne was declared man of the match for his wonderful free kick which was inches away from tapping home a cross. He completed 24 of his 26 passes including 22 in the Barcelona half.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “They had an amazing 30 minutes, we had a lot of problems but our first goal helped us a lot.
“In the second half we created a lot of counter attacks. I am so happy for the guys, it is the first time we have beaten the best team in the world. “Today is a good step. We play against a great team and we compete. Now they will realise, ‘Wow, we won against the best team.”
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique said: “It was one of the best 40 minutes we have played on a stage like this against top-quality rivals.
“After the error for 1-1 we had a bad time. When you concede in that way it is normal that you go through a bad period. “We hoped to continue to dominate but couldn’t because of errors we made and pressure from the opponent also.”We did not have as much possession. We were not able to control the game in the same way. First 40 for us and 50 for them and the score reflects that.”
