From a comical angle, this stage of the UEFA Champions League is a case of ''many are called few were chosen, so every other team that didn't make it to this point should sit back and enjoy....LOL.... That's just by the way.
Tonight is one of those big nights you look forward to in the game of football especially in the UCL. The Etihad Stadium will play host to Spanish giants Barcelona who are traditional champions in the tournament. Manchester City will have their hands full as they confront one of the biggest hurdles to leap, noting that it is just a first leg, with the second leg in Camp Nou.
Both teams have not competitive history but it should be noted that Barcelona have been quite impressive this season and City have not been bad either except for a few upsets that haven't really swept them off.
One major fact that may go a long way to inspire this Manchester side is that for the past two seasons they have not been able to progress from the group stage of the tournament.
For Barcelona, coupled with the fact that they are used to the scene, they have not had a ''fair share'' in recent seasons.
Key players who could influence this tie include Lionel Messi and the usual suspects in the middle for Barcelona while for Manchester City, it will be a ''divine'' meeting for Yaya Toure against his former teammates, the Spanish Trio of Jesus Navas, David Silva and Alvaro Negredo.
At the backline, it should be said that both sides can crack in the face of fierce attacking with a pointer from Manuel Pellegrini's statement that his side will come all out and play.
Let's see how it pans out, but really, we'll see lots of possession, thrills and finesse.
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