Barcelona v Manchester City: Key Talking Points

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Pep Guardiola had a night to forget on his second return to the Camp Nou. A clinical Lionel Messi hat trick put the citizens to the sword and maintained Barca’s 100% record in Europe’s premier competition. Here are the five key points in my post match commentary:

Man City at the Messi of Barca: Leo was at his quintessential best during City’s visit. The Barcelona legend scored his 37^th career hat trick and his team’s first three goals of the night. He also won a penalty-which Neymar missed- and assisted the Brazilian’s goal a few minutes later. Even though the Catalans were not at their imperious best, the diminutive Argentine took matters into his own hands: City fans will be grateful that he elected against taking the spot kick.  

Unrepentant Guardiola punished: the tactician opted for philosophy over effectiveness which saw him pick Kevin De Bruyne over Sergio Aguero to lead the line of the Blues attack. It was a ruse purposefully aimed at dominating ball possession. To the contrary, Barca were more interested in what will earn them the three points instead of a ceremonious display.

Bravo’s petulance: the Chilean is one of the very experienced champions between the sticks, and for a goalie of his standing, his decision to handle the ball outside his area could best be described as cantankerous. It is more so confusing when one gets to know that Bravo knew that his action could only lead to one thing-a sending off.

Greater Barcelona squad depth: both Alba and Pique were taken off early in the encounter due to injuries, but Barca did not have to worry much as there were Lucas Digne and Jeremy Mathieu as substitutes. Bearing in mind that Sergio Roberta, the first choice Barca right back was also on the treatment table, a victory and clean sheet (which was partly down to the efforts of Ter Stegen) is a very good sign. More importantly, Luis Enrique will not be saddled with the same problems he faced in the previous season, where his players were fatigued at the business end of the season.