Barcelona welcomed Manchester City to the Camp Nou on Wednesday for the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Barca entered the match as the favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 2-1 win in the first leg last month.
The Spanish outfit made it 1-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate when Ivan Rakitic scored after 31 minutes.
Sergio Aguero had the perfect chance to put Man City back in the tie after 77 minutes, but the Argentine missed from the penalty spot as the visitors chased two late goals.
Barcelona kept their clean sheet in tact, however, to comfortably book their spot in the last eight once again.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Manchester City for the second leg of their last-16 clash. Barca currently lead 2-1 from the first leg, but there is still everything to play for on this mild evening in Spain.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you the all-important team news.
TEAMS
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Mascherano, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suarez
MAN CITY: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure, Milner; Nasri, Aguero, Silva
So there we have it. Barcelona are without the injured Sergio Busquets this evening, meaning that Javier Mascherano moves from defence into a midfield role. Frenchman Jeremy Mathieu comes into the team at centre-back alongside Gerard Pique, while there are no surprises in the final third, with Lionel Messi, Neymar and the first-leg hero Luis Suarez all in the XI. What a forward line that is!
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, meanwhile, has brought Yaya Toure back into his XI after the midfielder sat out the first leg through suspension. Gael Clichy misses out following his red card in Manchester, with Aleksandar Kolarov coming into the team. There is also a surprise at right-back as Bacary Sagna is preferred to Pablo Zabaleta. James Milner is also given a start, while Sergio Aguero will be supported by Samir Nasri and David Silva in what appears to be a 4-3-3 formation.
As touched upon, Barcelona will enter this match as the favourites to advance into the quarter-finals following a 2-1 win in the first leg last month. The Spanish side raced into a 2-0 half-time lead, but in fairness to City, they improved in the second period. Barca had the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot late on, but Messi was denied by Joe Hart before heading the rebound wide. As a result, the English club have a chance, whereas 3-1 might well have killed the tie.
These two sides also met at this stage of the competition last season, and it was Barcelona that advanced into the quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate. They comfortably won 2-0 in Manchester, before recording a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou. Indeed, last season's meeting was the first time that the pair had ever met in a competitive match, with City very much newcomers to the European game.
In truth, there is just no comparing these sides at this level of football. This is just City's second appearance in the round of 16, but it is Barca's 11th in a row. The Spanish side are also bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the eighth successive season. City still have a long way to go – both on and off the field – until they can match teams of Barcelona's ilk. Tonight would be a good start!
Barcelona have also won seven of their last eight home games in the Champions League – remaining unbeaten in the process. The last time that they were beaten in this stadium in a European match came in May 2013, when Bayern Munich famously won 3-0. However, that loss is their only defeat in their last 30 Champions League games in this wonderful stadium. Big ask for City.
In their last seven Champions League knockout encounters with English clubs, meanwhile, Barcelona have advanced on six occasions. The only exception to that rule came in the semi-finals of the 2011-12 campaign, when they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Chelsea. At home to English clubs, Barca's record is also very strong – winning 16 of their 29 matches and losing just twice in the process.
What's more, Barcelona have progressed on 33 of the 35 occasions where they have won the first leg away from home in UEFA competition. The last time that they failed to progress in that particular situation came in the 1984-85 European Cup Winners' Cup first round against FC Metz.
Since the turn of the year, Barcelona have recorded 16 wins from 18 games, with that run of form seeing them book their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey and claw back the ground on Real Madrid in La Liga. As it stands, they top the Spanish table by one point following a comfortable 2-0 win at Eibar on Saturday. In truth, it was almost like a training match for the Catalan outfit.
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There is no question that Barca are on for a treble this season. Victory against Real Madrid in the league on Sunday would give them a four-point lead at the top of La Liga, while they are the favourites to beat Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey. The impressiveness of their performances over the last couple of months also makes them major contenders for this competition.
Manchester City, on the other hand, are really struggling. Pellegrini's side have lost three of their last four games in all competitions and are facing the serious possibility of a trophyless season. In the Premier League, they are now six points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand, while they are also far from certain of finishing in the top four. Pellegrini is under severe pressure.
City pulled off a serious escape act to qualify from Group E this season. They only took two points from their first four fixtures, which left them in a very precarious position at the bottom of the section. However, wins over Bayern Munich and Roma saw Pellegrini's side finish second behind Bayern and secure their spot in the knockout stages for the second successive season.
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City's record away to La Liga opposition is quite poor, however, winning on just one of their five trips to Spain. They do have a manager that knows what it takes to reach the quarter-finals, though. Pellegrini twice reached the last eight with Villarreal (2006 and 2009), while he also led underdogs Malaga to the quarters in 2012. That said, during nine seasons coaching in Spain, Pellegrini only recorded four wins over Barcelona – losing 14 times in the process. Kickoff is fast approaching here...
City will also enter the match off the back of one of their poorest performances of the season. Their bid to retain the Premier League took a big blow at the weekend as they went down 1-0 at strugglers Burnley. It was the manner of the performance, not just the result, that will leave their fans worried ahead of this match. Barcelona could run riot if they are allowed time and space.
COMPETITION! Tonight we're offering you the chance to win an Adidas Champions League football signed by Rio Ferdinand. To enter, all you have to do is send a question during the match to this evening's #ChampionTheMatch host - former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek - on Twitter. Make sure you tag @Heineken and #ChampionTheMatch to enter. Full details on how to submit your question can be found here.
Don't forget to send in your questions for @Jurek_Dudek during #FCBvMCFC with @Heineken and #ChampionTheMatch. pic.twitter.com/1yhuNv2Sjd — Sports Mole (@SportsMole) March 18, 2015
PREDICTION! To be honest, I am finding it difficult to make a case for Man City tonight. Barcelona are in such wonderful form and have been cutting through teams of late. The visitors, on the other hand, are just struggling a touch. I think Barca will win 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.
Just a reminder that there is another Champions League last-16 second leg taking place this evening, with Borussia Dortmund hosting Juventus. The Italian side lead that tie 2-1 from the first leg, but there is still everything to play for. Let's hope for an entertaining night of European action!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as that wonderful Champions League tune plays in the background. As expected, there is a sensational atmosphere inside the Camp Nou.
You just get the feeling that Man City need to score first tonight if they are to stand a chance. Barca might run away with the tie if they manage to get their tails up in the early moments. Barca do not lose often here and they almost always score. It is the visitors that get the first period underway.
Man City's fans are up in the gods this evening - perfect view of the pitch mind! As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the early possession, while Neymar has already attempted to run Sagna down the left. It is so important that the away side keep it tight for the opening 10 minutes.
It has been a decent start from the away side, with Kolarov coming across to clear a pass from Alves, which was aimed towards Messi. Man City manage to break down the right with Sagna, but Alba is back to make the challenge. Pellegrini will be pretty pleased with the opening four minutes here.
Almost a flashpoint as Alba clips Nasri round the ear, but the referee is on hand to calm matters!
POST! Barcelona come close to taking the lead as Alves picks Kompany's pocket before setting up Neymar, but the Brazilian's effort hits the post. Awful defending from the visitors.
Moments before that Neymar chance, the Brazilian had absolutely roasted Sagna down the left, which will be a concern for Man City. Messi and Suarez are starting to influence matters here.
Another half-chance for the home side as Toure is caught in possession, but Suarez cannot slide a pass into Messi. Man City really need to stop giving the ball away in dangerous areas. Moments later, Aguero strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is deflected wide for a corner.
There is something developing with Alba and Nasri here as the pair clash for a third time. They are like a pair of naughty children at the moment, but the referee has not been too picky thus far.
CHANCE! Sensational football from Barcelona as Messi combines with Iniesta before attempting to fire one into the bottom corner, but Hart is down well to make a really smart stop.
Some of the football from Barcelona in the opening 12 minutes - wow. Just wow.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Man City this time as Toure drives a low cross towards Milner, but Alves just does enough to make the challenge and Ter Stegen is on hand to collect.
BOOKING! Fernandinho (Man City) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
CLOSE! Messi takes the resulting free kick, but it just lands on the top of the goal. Unlucky!
This has been a very, very good opening 17 minutes of football and Man City have played their part. Both teams have had excellent chances thus far, but for now, it remains goalless on the night.
Half-chance for the away side as Kolarov strikes one from outside the box, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make a fairly comfortable save. Again, decent work from the Premier League champions.
BOOKING! Kolarov (Man City) is booked for taking out Messi.
Just a reminder that a 1-0 Man City win would not be enough here. They need to score at least twice to stand a chance of making the quarter-finals. Neymar again attempts to run Sagna, but this time the right-back manages to clear the danger. Still goalless on the night with 22 minutes played.
Messi absolutely breezes past Fernandinho before finding Neymar, but the Brazilian cannot return the favour and Man City manage to push forward. The home supporters are in fine voice here.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of moments, but Man City are doing a good job of closing the space in the final third. Neymar is seeing more and more of the ball in wide areas, but his final pass has been a little off-point thus far. Messi, meanwhile, has been magic.
BOOKING! Silva (Man City) is booked for a rash challenge on Messi just outside the box. The Spaniard got none of the ball and now Barcelona have a free kick in a very good position. Messi to take...
... CLOSE! Again Messi's effort lands on the top of the goal. Inches away there!
Another half-chance for the home side as Suarez races into the Man City box, but his effort from a wide angle is straight at Hart and the danger is cleared. Barcelona are starting to force the issue now.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Man City (Rakitic)
Barcelona take the lead with 31 minutes on the clock as Rakitic collects a stunning and I mean stunning pass from Messi before lifting his effort over Hart. It is a brilliant goal from the hosts.
Man City have been pretty good thus far, but Messi is just a different level entirely.
Barca have another free kick just outside the box as Toure fells Suarez...
... Rakitic takes over the free kick duties, but the Croatian's effort is high and wide.
BOOKING! Nasri (Man City) is booked for kicking out at Neymar.
Man City need to be really, really careful here. They have already picked up four bookings and the referee has been quick to blow for every late challenge. Discipline is needed from the visitors.
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi finds space outside the box before sliding a super pass into Neymar, but Sagna just does enough to clear the danger. All one-way traffic now.
CHANCE! Messi continues to run the show as he slides another pass into Neymar, but the Brazilian attempts to cross when he might have been better going for goal. From the resulting corner, Suarez has a free header, but nods just wide of the post. Man City are on the ropes!
Messi has been absolutely sensational. That is the story of the first period here. Just wonderful.
POST! Suarez has the chance to double Barcelona's lead after collecting a wonderful pass from Neymar, but the striker's effort hits the post. Hart was well beaten there.
Toure strikes one from distance, but his effort was always high of Ter Stegen's crossbar. Moments later, Aguero finds space in the final third, but his low strike is deflected wide for a corner.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Man City
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night courtesy of a fine finish from Rakitic. It has been Messi's night thus far, however, with the Argentine absolutely running this match. Man City have had a couple of bright moments in attack, but have largely failed to test Ter Stegen. As it stands, the home side are leading the overall tie 3-1.
STATS! Barcelona have had more of the possession with 58%, while they have had nine attempts - three of which have been on target. Man City, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their five attempts. There have also been four yellow cards, all of which have come for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Not that Luis Enrique needs it at the moment, but the Barcelona boss has attacking options on his bench in the shape of Pedro, Rafinha and Xavi. Man City, meanwhile, have the likes of Bony, Dzeko, Lampard and Navas in reserve. Will the visitors make any half-time changes?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Man City still need at least two goals to stay in this tie. Right, it is the home side that get the second half underway.
SUB! Man City have made a change at the break, with Navas replacing Nasri.
In truth, it is not surprising to see that change. Nasri was lucky to remain on the field in the first period following a couple of poor challenges, while Navas will give them pace in the final third. Barca have a half-chance early in the second period, but Iniesta's strike is straight at Hart.
Half-chance for the home side once again as Rakitic finds space just outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Toure is struggling in that midfield battle at the moment.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Alba finds all sorts of space inside the Man City box, but Hart is on hand to deny the left-back. The visitors are really struggling.
Man City want a penalty as Aguero goes down inside the box under pressure from Alves, but the referee is not interested. Clutching at straws there! The visitors really need some sort of boost.
Man City have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening and it would not be a surprise if Pellegrini looked to introduce either Dzeko or Bony in the next 10 minutes or so. Toure does his best to power through the Barcelona midfield, but the move breaks down when Alba tackles Sagna.
Half-chance for Man City as Silva delivers a dangerous free kick from the right, but Fernandinho cannot make contact with his head inside a crowded box. The atmosphere has just dropped here.
Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou and Man City need to score at least twice to stay in the tie. It has been a little better from the visitors in the last couple of moments, but Barcelona are fairly comfortable in dealing with the danger from wide areas.
GOALKEEPER! Barca stopper Ter Stegen comes out to clear, but loses possession against Aguero, who attempts to curl one from a wide angle, but Barca have players back to clear. Terrible from the German!
Suarez wants a penalty after going down inside the Man City box, but the flag had already been raised for offside. It is an even game at the moment, with the visitors playing a strong role here.
Again it is good work from the away side as Aguero and Silva combine in a wide area before the former delivers, but Mathieu is on hand to clear with a super header. It is a good spell for Man City, with Navas also threatening down the right. Can the Premier League side force a goal here?
It isn't quite happening for Barcelona in the final third at the moment as another attack breaks down when Messi attempts to find Neymar. Dare I say that Man City are the better team at the moment.
CHANCE! Best Barcelona chance for a while as Messi sets up Suarez inside the box, but his effort hits the side netting. This game and indeed tie really should be done and dusted.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Man City to claw one back as Navas finds all sorts of space inside the Barca box before squaring towards Aguero, but the hosts manage to clear. Barca are straight down the other end with Neymar, who sets up Messi, but Hart just does enough to force the Argentine wide.
CHANCE! Yet another wonderful chance for the home side as Messi beats the offside trap once again, but Hart comes flying out to claim. Super goalkeeping! End-to-end football now.
Toure finds time and space outside the Barcelona box, but his powerful effort hits the side netting. This is a really good game at the moment as the visitors continue to offer a threat in the final third.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, which is not a bad idea at this stage of the match. Still no movement on the Man City bench, which is a real surprise at this stage. Toure attempts to burst past Alba down the other end, but the Ivorian is just eased off the ball.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Alba converts from close range after Hart had denied Neymar, but the flag is raised. Celebrations cut short!
SUB! Man City make their second change as Bony replaces Toure.
Bony comes close to making an immediate impact after finding space outside the box, but his effort just rises high of the crossbar. Time is starting to run out for Man City in this last-16 tie.
Another half-chance for the away side as Aguero strikes one from outside the box, but Mathieu is on hand to make a super block. Little under 15 minutes of normal time remaining here.
SAVE! Barcelona come close once again as Alba slides a super pass into Neymar, but once again Hart is on hand to make the save. Hart has had a super game for the visitors here!
PENALTY CITY!
Man City have a penalty as Aguero goes down inside the box under a challenge from Pique.
SAVE! Ter Stegen is across to deny Aguero from the spot! Super save!
What a chance for Man City to get back in this match! Neymar is straight down the other end for the home side, but again Hart comes out on top. End-to-end football with 79 minutes played.
BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Silva.
Another half-chance for the away side as Kompany meets a high ball inside the box, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make the save. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou.
Man City have given this a right go in the second period there is no question about that. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more big chance in this match. City need two goals.
BOOKING! Demichelis (Man City) is booked for a poor challenge on Suarez.
Messi again takes the free kick, but again it is high of the crossbar.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Rafinha replaces Rakitic.
The match continues to flow from end-to-end, with both sides forcing players into the final third. Just a reminder that Man City need two late goals if they are to take this tie into extra-time.
SAVE! Yet another save from Hart as the England international denies Suarez from close range. Suarez then hits the crossbar, but the flag had been raised. Hart has been excellent in the second half.
SUB! Man City make their third change as Lampard replaces Milner.
SAVE! Just about the best save of the lot from Hart as the City goalkeeper somehow denies Messi from close range after Neymar had danced into the box. How is this still 1-0!
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the Camp Nou.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Adriano replaces Alves.
SAVE! Hart once again. Yet another save from the Englishman as he denies Neymar.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Man City (Barca win 3-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 1-0 winners on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the quarter-finals once again. The scoreline is close, but it would have been much more comfortable had Hart not been in sensational form. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for another night of European action. Until next time, good evening!
