Barca v City - Match Report

It's 9:15pm and the Nou Camp is abuzz with 93,000 expectant Calalans and 1,000 Blue fanatics. The floodlights are purposely off which adds to the unfolding drama. Subtle perimeter lighting and a multitude of camera flashes enhance the atmosphere as Barca are about to introduce their stars to the adoring crowd. Each player enters the spotlight individually to a crescendo of noise. Puyol and Gladiola address the crowd as captain and coach respectively.

The presentation is over, the floodlights now illuminate the pitch and we're almost ready to roll. Still time for the PA to broadcast Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Queen's "We Will Rock You".

Barca get the game underway and duly keep the ball to themselves for 2-3 minutes before winning a dangerous free-kick near the City box. This could be a long night. Our Spanish hosts dominate and City are struggling to keep possession and to venture into the opponents half. Ireland and Zab are surprisingly tenacious in the tackle considering it's a friendly. However, Barry, SWP and Dunne are all too often giving the ball away cheaply and surrendering the initiative. Weiss looks simultaneously nervous and eager, whilst Tevez cuts a lonely figure upfront.

Ya Ya Toure is masterfully controlling the midfield and City are chasing shadows somewhat. It takes 11 minutes of play for City to string a few passes together and to threaten the Barca rear guard.

Petrov is then put clean through by Ireland and he duly slots the ball past the keeper. 1-0 City. That was easy!

Barca continue to dominate the half but City are holding firm, having to withstand a string of corners. Just before the break Barry goes close with a header from a Petrov free-kick, guiding his attempt narrowly past the upright.

Half Time : Barca 0 - City 1.

Ben-Haim is on for Toure at half time, whilst Barca bring on some big-hitters in the form of Messi, Ibrahimovic and Alves.

The pattern of play is maintained as Barca continue to dictate. City seem content (or maybe forced!) to defend and try and hit on the break. Garrido and Bellamy then replace Zab and Tevez. Zab could have a tight hamstring. Pique enters the fray and Etuhu is on for Barry.

Barca are slowly increasing the intensity, though can't find an opening. Onouha is doing particularly well against the big Swede Ibra. Barca then strike the bar from distance after a poor clearance from Ireland. The crowd raise the decibel level further and Barca are threatening to equalise.

With 1-minute of normal time left Barca should be all square. However they try and walk the ball into the net and somewhat luckily City get off the hook. Messi shows his brilliance in the 3rd minute of added time, only to see his effort strike Given's left-hand post.

There's still time for Bellamy to be put though by Ireland and with only the keeper to beat he manages to shoot marginally wide.

Full Time : Barca 0 : City 1.

A good win for City in this high profile friendly. City were on the back-foot for the most part, as the corner count of 15-2 in Barca's favour would testify. But hey, a win's a win!

Starting 11:

City: Given, Onuoha, Toure, Dunne, Zabaleta, Weiss, Barry, Ireland, SWP, Petrov, Tevez.

Barca: Pinto, Montoya, Puyol, Fontas, Maxwell, Busquets, Toure, Gudjohnsen, Pedro, Jeffren, Bojan.

ManTwitty.