Barcelona Takes Champions League Last 16 Advantage Against Manchester City

The soccer game that everybody has been talking about has finally been and gone. Well, the first game of two has at least. It didn't fail to disappoint. Manchester City were impressive in parts and managed to hold their own, but a crucial error led to Barcelona winning the first leg 2-0.

Superstar soccer play Lionel Messi was dashing through on goal as he was taken down by Martin Demichelis, leading to a red card and a penalty, which Messi ultimately scored. The costly error changed the game. Manchester City struggled to contain Barcelona with one less player, and that penalty gave Barcelona a lead that they never looked like throwing away. Demichelis' sloppiness has been blamed, but Manchester City never looked like winning.

In three weeks time the pair will face off for the final time in Barcelona. With a 2-0 lead and the home advantage it seems likely they will progress in to the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals. Is there a way back for the misfiring Manchester City players?

City will hope Sergio Aguero is back fit and firing the goals for them in time for their away trip to face Barcelona. If not, it appears there's no hope of them turning around this 2-0 deficit. The defeat has caused a lot of debate about City's credibility. They claim to be an elite team, but they often struggle against the bigger sides in the Champions League. They have to prove themselves in three weeks time, and it won't be easy.