Lionel Messi Scores As 10-man City Suffer Home Defeat To Barcelona

Martin Demichelis saw red as Manchester City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

The turning point of the tie arrived nine minutes into the second half as Lionel Messi was sent sprawling inside the box by Demichelis and dusted himself down to convert from the penalty spot, before Daniel Alves added what could be a crucial second for the Catalan giants in the final minute of the 90.

City had held their own until being reduced to 10 men, with opportunities of note in short supply as both sides looked to keep things tight with a return date at the Nou Camp in the back of their mind.

Manuel Pellegrini’s team was able to soak up plenty of pressure in the opening 45 minutes, as Barca’s tiki-taka approach saw them dominate possession, but Joe Hart was rarely troubled and it was Victor Valdes in the opposing goal who endured the more nervy moments.

Barcelona coach Gerard Martino had said prior to the contest that the key to victory was possession and so it proved, as the visitors controlled the ball for long spells.

Yet City appeared to have been expecting that having packed midfield.

Pellegrini sent on Joleon Lescott to reinforce the defence but recognised damage limitation was not an option and also introduced Samir Nasri.

The hosts may have had a stroke of luck as Gerard Pique had a late goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

Edin Dzeko had a late chance for City but was harshly penalised for a foul.

Demichelis could not keep pace and slid in in a desperate attempt to tackle, but succeeded only in tripping his fellow Argentine.

Contact appeared to be just outside the area but referee Jonas Eriksson pointed to the spot and gave Demichelis his marching orders.

Messi calmly stroked home the penalty down the centre as Hart dived to left.

Pellegrini sent on Joleon Lescott to reinforce the defence but recognised damage limitation was not an option and also introduced Samir Nasri.

Barca could have taken even greater command of the tie as Xavi shot over and Alves fired across goal.

City broke again but Gael Clichy wasted an opening and a well-struck Silva volley was clutched by Valdes.

The hosts, however, may have had a stroke of luck as Gerard Pique had a late goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

Edin Dzeko had a late chance for City but was harshly penalised for a foul.

There was no reprieve for City in the final minute as Alves got behind the defence and fired past Hart.