Pep Guardiola: We saw the best team in the world in the first half
The Manchester City coach was compllimentary about Barcelona's first half display which at times was totally magical
Pep Guardiola admitted that a second goal for Barcelona would have ended Manchester City’s chances on Tuesday night.
However, after Lionel Messi had opened the scoring, Luis Enrique’s side were unable to add to their tally and Ilkay Gundogan’s strike before half time changed the game.
Kevin De Bruyne and a second goal for Gundogan after the break helped City win the game 3-1 in the end.
Guardiola, though, felt Barça were brilliant in the first half: “First 38 minutes we saw the best team in the world. If they score another it’s done.
“Our goal changed everything for our mood. The players realised the bad moment was over. Kevin helped us a lot as the second striker.
“Our build up was complicated because they press well and when team feel uncomfortable we go more direct.
“In second half we were compact, good high pressing, win a lot of balls and then defend low block with the counter attack again.
“Considering now the situation, against the best team in the world and our position in the group, victory today so important. One more game to win to go in February (to knockout rounds).”
Guardiola also refused to get carrying away, saying that while the win against Barça has created a certain type of mood, his City side were actually quite good in Barcelona, too, despite the 4-0 loss.
He added: “Now everyone’s so happy, but our 11 against 11 in Barcelona much better than our 38 minutes.”
