Player Ratings, How Did We Do?

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7 

A headline grabbing penalty save ended a decent evening’s work for Hart. Tested regularly as his back four struggled to contain Barcelona, he produced a handful of important saves in a game that could have had more goals. Would be harsh to blame him for Barca’s goals, having been exposed needlessly for the first before Barca sliced through his defence for the second.

Pablo Zabaleta 7

Zabaleta displayed his characteristic grit as he laboured tirelessly on the right hand side for City. He managed to contain Neymar for the most part though he was caught out a few times by the Brazilian’s footwork. His challenge that brought down Messi for the penalty was sloppy and could have made the return leg a much tougher proposition.

Vincent Kompany 4

Kompany’s run of bad form continued as he was consistently caught out of position. His decision making was poor though the second half saw a slight improvement. City will need their captain to improve for the return leg.

Martin Demichelis 5

Had a difficult evening dealing with the pace and movement of Barca, not helped by the questionable positioning of his partner in the centre. Demichelis had a chance to find the net for city but ended up floating his header into Ter Stegen’s willing hands.

Gael Clichy 3

Anyone would struggle trying to deal with the pairing of Messi and Dani Alves but Clichy was completely flummoxed by the pace and skill of the South Americans. Clumsy in the challenge and offering little going forward, Clichy was foolish in his challenge on Alves to earn a second yellow.

Samir Nasri 5

A nothing night for Nasri, found it impossible to impose himself on a midfield dominated by Iniesta. Replaced by Fernandinho in the 62^nd minute and sulked straight into the dressing room.

David Silva 6

Instrumental in City’s goal, Silva only turned up in the second half after spending the first chasing shadows. His forays forward provided one of the few threats City had to offer, and his touch to Aguero for the goal was beautifully executed. Withdrawn after 78 minutes, City’s midfield lost a touch of silk with his departure.

James Milner 7

Hard working as always, Milner provided some service for City’s front pair and played a large part in City’s resurgence in the second half. At times outclassed by the Barca midfield, his tireless running gave life to a listless City midfield.

Fernando 5

Seemed lost in the centre of the pitch and unwilling to risk anything with his passing going forward. Made to look treacle footed by the Barca attack at times and always seemed to be a step behind mentally.

Eden Dzeko 6

Provided an aerial threat but was wasteful with his chances. Should have scored when he was presented with an unmarked header just outside the six yard box and was replaced by new signing Wilfried Bony after 68 minutes.

Sergio Aguero 8

High work-rate mixed with class, what we are accustomed to from the Argentine. The first half was not his most bountiful but Aguero persisted with his intelligent runs. His reward came in the second half after David Silva’s lay-off put him through, capitalising with a clinical finish.

Substitutions.

Fernandinho (On for Nasri 62 mins.) 7

A great through ball to Silva for Aguero’s goal, Fernandinho brought bite to a midfield sadly lacking. Made a good case for a start in the return tie.

Wilfried Bony (On for Dzeko 68 mins.) 6

Found little joy in his Champions League debut for the blues, made some good runs but errant strikes meant he will have to wait for a debut goal.

Baccary Sagna (On for David Silva 78 mins.) 7

Brought on after Clichy’s red card, Sagna made a few good surging runs and was solid in defence. Should feature in the return leg.