Magic Messi too hot to handle

MANCHESTER City were run ragged by a Lionel Messi–inspired Barcelona as they were dumped out of the Champions League at the Nou Camp.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini was left clinging to his job as City were outclassed by the Spanish giants and only the brilliance of goalkeeper Joe Hart prevented a humiliating rout.

Remarkably, Barcelona managed to score just once in a dizzying performance in which they created 23 chances on goal, with Ivan Rakitic deftly beating Hart after 31 minutes.

Messi was at his magical best and almost untouchable, and over the two legs of the last–16 tie, City were flattered by an aggregate 3–1 scoreline.

The outcome might have been different had Marc–Andre ter Stegen not saved a second–half penalty from Sergio Aguero, but Barcelona’s superiority could not be doubted.

Barca had 11 shots on target. Ten of them were saved by Hart, while Luis Suarez hit the woodwork twice.

The match had been billed as critical for Pellegrini, with his position under heavy scrutiny after a dispiriting spell that has all but ended hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League title.

But there is little any tactician could have done to subdue Barca in such rampant mood.

It was the second successive year City had gone out to Barcelona at the last–16 stage.