Leo Messi's goal not good enough to beat Man City!

After Lionel Messi had put visitors 1-0 top, Gundogan's goal in the 31st minute equalised for City before the half-time whistle. 

 

 

 

 

Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick that went past Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen earned the lead of 3-1 and City eventually maintained it to defeat the Spanish giants in a sixth attempt finally. 

 

Barcelona vs Manchester City, leg 1: Watch Messi treat Manchester City as 'playground kids'

 

Pep Guardiola's City will reach the knockout stage of the competition if they win on November 23 at Borussia Monchengladbach, who drew with Celtic on Match Day 4.

 

Although, the visitors missed the services of Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta, the fact that City dominated Barcelona left, right and centre, especially in the second half, cannot be ignored.

 

From Argentine, Sergio Aguero, Belgian De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, City's best over-shadowed Barca's trio - Messi, Luis Enrique and Neymar.

 

Read more: Ballon d'Or 2016: Messi, Ronaldo or finally a new winner?

 

Although Aguero failed to score, his enthusiasm and stamina had no bounds on Wednesday, motivating his teammates and troubling the opponents.

 

De Bruyne who did not play full 90 minutes received a standing ovation when was replaced near the end and the midfielder who almost netted a second displayed an outstanding game of football.

 

Guardiola, who had his most successful years as a manager when he was in charge of Barcelona for four years from 2008, is yet to win a Champions League after his departure from the Catalans. 

 

The win at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday was one of the significant wins in the Spaniard's career post-Barcelona management. From here on, both City and their manager's confidence has gone to the next level that they can beat the best teams in the UEFA tournament.