Manchester City secured their first ever win over Barcelona on Tuesday as they came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over the Spanish giants in a Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Lionel Messi sent the Spanish champions ahead in the 21st minute, but a brace from Gundogan and a Kevin de Bruyne free kick secured an impressive win for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have closed the gap at the top of Group C to just two points with two matches left.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, Man City had a clear penalty shout when Raheem Sterling went to ground under a clumsy challenge from Samuel Umtiti, but the referee was not interested and instead booked the England international for simulation, much to the annoyance of the home supporters.
Guardiola’s side found a leveller six minutes before the end of the first period, however, when Barcelona lost possession just outside their own box and Aguero released Sterling, whose low cross was turned home by Gundogan as the home side’s high press forced the Spanish outfit into a key mistake.
Man City, who flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half, were ahead in the 51st minute, however, when De Bruyne found the top corner with a powerful free kick after Sergio Busquets had brought Silva to the ground just outside the Barcelona box.
Man City found a third in the 74th minute, however, when Jesus Navas’s cross hit Aguero and bounced kindly for Gundogan, who fired home his second of the match to give the home side daylight against Luis Enrique’s side.
Football Champions League: City break Barca jinx
