Man City End Barcelona Hoodoo

 

Manchester City earned a famous 3-1 victory over his former side Barcelona in a thrilling encounter at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League group stage. Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the lead on 21 minutes after a quick counter attack, before Ilkay Gundogan levelled for City from close range as the hosts pounced on a defensive mistake. Kevin De Bruyne then put City ahead seven minutes after the break with a finely struck free-kick from 20 yards, before Gundogan grabbed his second from eight yards with 15 minutes remaining.

Guardiola made two changes from the 4-0 win at West Brom on Saturday as Willy Caballero and De Bruyne came in for Claudio Bravo and Nolito respectively, while Barcelona were still missing the injured Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta.

Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai was at the centre of attention from the off, booking Raheem Sterling for simulation after Samuel Umtiti's challenge in the area, despite replays showing the French defender just caught the toe of the City man.