Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League at the
last sixteen stage again last night, losing 1-0 on the night and 3-1 on
aggregate, and if it was not for Joe Hart's heroics it could well have been
three or four for Barcelona. Barcelona looked the more likely proposition
throughout the whole game, and came close in the fifth minute when Bacary Sagna
failed to track Neymar's run in behind. The Brazilian attempted a low finish at
the near post, and was only denied by the post. The breakthrough came later in
the first half, in the thirty first minute. Lionel Messi danced through the
right hand side of the City defence and chipped a cross to the left hand side,
and Ivan Rakitic cleverly chipped over City keeper Joe Hart. The only real City
chance came in the eightieth minute, but Ter Stegen saved Aguero's penalty
well. The look on the Argentine's face afterwards summed up Manchester City's
night. Questions will now be asked of Manuel Pellegrini, with Arsenal only one
point behind them in the premier league, they threaten to be dragged into the
race for Champions league places.
After English clubs poor fortunes in this year's Champions
League, rumour has arisen that the Premier League's 4th place may no longer
give a place in the coveted European competition. However this place is
relatively safe for the next two seasons, but may be lost in 2017/2018. Everton
are the only English club left in European competition, and that is in the
Europa League.
Arsenal were once again knocked out of the last sixteen of
the CL on Tuesday, although they played well in the Second Leg, it was not
enough after a poor first leg. Giroud put Arsenal ahead midway through the
first half. Ramsey scored late in the second half, but a late barrage was not
enough for a team who needed three goals to progress. Although they can take
heart from a good performance going into their game at Newcastle on the
weekend.
