Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City came from behind to claim Champions League revenge over Barcelona and pull within two points of the Group C leaders with a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
A 4-0 defeat for City at Camp Nou a fortnight ago highlighted what many believed to be a gulf in quality between Pep Guardiola’s past and present clubs.
But the home side were good value for their victory on home soil and their high-tempo, high-pressing approach to the second half reaped its rewards.
Lionel Messi had given Barcelona the lead on the counter-attack after City were denied a penalty for a Samuel Umtiti challenge on Raheem Sterling.
Gundogan’s leveller came somewhat against the run of play prior to the interval, but it sparked an upturn for City, who grew in belief as the match went on.
Kevin De Bruyne’s 51st-minute set-piece fooled Marc-Andre ter Stegen to move City in front, before Gundogan wrapped up a first victory over the Catalan giants in six attempts 16 minutes from time.
Barca, who remain top of the group, must now wait to book their place in the last 16.
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