Barcelona advance at Manchester City's expense

Manchester City knew they had a lot to do if they were to knock Barcelona out of the UEFA Champions League, especially if they were to win at Barcelona's ground. They tried and tried, but their luck wasn't in and they lost 2-1 on the night, and 4-1 on aggregate. This added to a miserable few days for City as they have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Champions League. City have gone from potentially winning four trophies, to having won one, with the Premier League still a possibility. 

Sergio Aguero was predicted to be City's main threat, but he suffered throughout, forcing him to be substituted early on. Strangely City improved and looked like they could get back in to the game. City could have scored the three or four goals they were likely to need, but a combination of bad luck and poor concentration cost them, and they were only able to manage the one goal. 

Lionel Messi was out to impress. Many have slated his effort recently and suggested he's saving himself for the World Cup, but he was in the best of form and proved the difference maker. Although Barcelona and Messi have been labelled "past it" they seem determined to prove they can win the Champions League again. Manchester City are struggling to adapt to European matches, and although they went further this season this will not be enough to satisfy the huge demands in place at the club. 

Both clubs will look to win their respective leagues, but Barcelona, unlike City, will try to lift the UEFA Champions League one more time.