Barcelona boss Tata Martino has warned Manchester City that the Catalans will not be taking the second leg of their Champions League tie lightly, despite holding a 2-0 lead.
After goals from Lionel Messi and Dan Alves last night, City must now produce a margin of victory at the Nou Camp on March 12 that only two visiting teams have managed since 2008.
If anyone knows how to score goals though it is the Etihad side and Barca coach Martino has stated his side will not be losing focus.
“I’m not confident [that the game is over], but it’s true we did a good game away and we must now repeat the same performance at home,” he said.
“We’re going to keep on playing with the same intensity, the same commitment to the second leg. We have a tough rival, almost at the same level.
“The only difference is that we won an away game but we can’t forget that City lost to Munich at home but beat them away.”
The result puts a huge dent in the Citizen’s chances of an unprecedented quadruple, but worse may follow as Manuel Pellegrini looks certain to face UEFA disciplinary action.
The Chilean launched a sensational attack on referee Jonas Eriksson after the game, claiming he was trying to make up for some contentious decisions in a previous game.
He was particularly incensed by the visitors’ opening goal, which came from penalty spot after Martin Demichelis – who was red carded – appeared to bring down Messi outside the box.
“This referee whistled the Barcelona-Milan game and he made an important error against Barcelona. Today he remedied it,” Pellegrini said.
“I think there is more important football in Europe than Sweden. A big game with two important teams – that kind of game needs a referee with more experience. “
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