Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez celebrates his opening goal at the Etihad
MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-2)
Joe Hart 7 – Busier than he'd wanted to have been. No chance with Suarez's goals, dived bravely at the feet of Messi at 2-0 and then kept City in the tie, just, with an injury-time penalty save from Messi.
Pablo Zabaleta 5 – His recent good deserted him. Bamboozled by Neymar early on and struggled to recover and gave away an injury-time penalty for clipping Messi.
Vincent Kompany 4.5 – Suarez gave him twisted blood as the famous saying goes. Simply couldn't keep up with the Uruguayan
Manchester City keeper Joe Hart can only look on as Suarez fires Barca into the lead after 15 minutes of play
Martin Demichelis 6.5 – Sent off in this fixture a year ago, he made a brilliant block from Messi early but beaten by Suarez for the second goal
Gael Clichy 5 – Looked dazed and confused every time Messi and Alves marauded down his flank, which was regularly. Sent off for two yellows.
Samir Nasri 6 – The defending part of a winger's game is not his forte – and it cost City. Nearly scored on the stroke of half-time but the damage had been done.
City skipper Vincent Kompany (right) tries to close down the mercurial Lionel Messi
James Milner 6 – Had a brilliant season so Manuel Pellegrini gave him a central role due to Toure's suspension. Alas, our James is no Yaya when it comes to midfield drive and switched back wide after an hour.
Fernando 5.5 – Signed in the summer for these kind of games. But he couldn't get near the Barca midfield as City were repeatedly cut open in the first half. Booked.
David Silva 6.5 – Not at his best out wide to accommodate Dzeko but he did come infield to try and get the ball.
City midfielder James Milner (left) tries to shut down Suarez during the opening 45 minutes of action
Edin Dzeko 5.5 – Had chances to justify his surprise selection, but twice fluffed his lines in front of goal with headers.
Sergio Aguero 6.5 – Looked forlorn as Suarez took the first half glory but hit back with a fantastic lofted finish past Stegen.
Sergio Aguero smashes the ball past Barca keeper Marc-Andre Stegen to give City hope in the second half
City striker Edin Dzeko (right) cuts a dejected figure as his side struggles to deal with the Barca attack
BARCELONA (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre Stegen 6 – Virtually a spectator until the end of the first-half when he nonchalantly saved from Nasri. Only plays cup games
Daniel Alves 6.5 – Nobody told the Brazilian that right-backs are meant to stay back in away first legs in Europe. Like an extra forward.
Gerard Pique 6.5 – Given Barca's relative lack of physical presence, Pique did well as a main defensive barrier. Took up great position to block Dzeko shot
Barca centre back Gerard Pique (right) heads the ball clear under pressure from Aguero
Javier Mascherano 7 – City tried to target his lack of height by including Dzeko, but the Argentine is as tough as old boots and built play too.
Jordi Alba 6.5 – Spanish World Cup winner was rewarded for his adventure from full-back by laying on a second goal for Suarez on a plate.
Sergio Busquets 6 – The unsung hero of the Barca team, keeps the back door closed and perfectly comfortable hitting pinpoint passes to Messi and co.
Veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta (left) shields the ball from City's David Silva
Ivan Ratikic 6.5 – You've got to be good to keep Xavi out and Ratikic was a metronome, building play and venturing forward to find the incisive pass. Booked.
Andres Iniesta 6 – Has reinvented himself, a bit like Ryan Giggs. Doesn't tear forward any more but kept the tiki-taka pattern of play going.
Luis Suarez 9 – Instinctive finish to give Barca the lead after reacting quicker than Kompany to a bouncing ball. Celebrated with guttural roar.
Messi made plenty of probing runs but is closed down on this occasion by City defender Pablo Zabaleta
Suarez is overjoyed as the Barca forward grabs his second goal of the night at the Etihad
Lionel Messi 8.5 –The Champions League record scorer was equally dazzling in a supporting role. Set up Suarez for the first and beat three men in the move for Barca's second
Neymar 6.5 – Showed off the skills he learned in futsal back in Brazil. A magical entertainer who had Zabaleta bamboozled on one occasion.
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