For the first time in the 2016-17 edition of the Champions League Barcelona were defeated. They lost the game against Manchester City even though Lionel Messi put the Catalans in the lead midway through the first half. But numerous errors defensively and in possession allowed the hosts back into the game and into the driver’s seat.
The game started in very similar fashion to when the two teams met two weeks ago, with Manchester City pressing high up the pitch and Barcelona having to patiently and carefully play the ball from the back past numerous City attackers. It was an expected start to the game in which, as City manager Pep Guardiola said, the hosts were in a much bigger need for a win than the visitors were.