Zabaleta: we need Nou Camp belief

Manchester City players put on a brave face as they assessed the damage inflicted by Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

City's hopes of reaching the quarter–finals appear in ruins after the Spanish champions claimed a 2–0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Most of the post–match attention centred on City manager Manuel Pellegrini's reaction to the game's pivotal moment – when Martin Demichelis conceded a penalty and was sent off – and the Chilean's thoughts on Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson.

UEFA is waiting for the match official to file a report before deciding whether to open proceedings against Pellegrini - which could lead to a warning, fine or even a touchline ban.

Few could deny Barcelona - who had 68 per cent of possession - deserved their win. They were the more clinical side when it mattered and had City on the back foot for large spells.

But City’s players haven’t given up.

Defender Pablo Zabaleta said: "Nothing is impossible in football. We still have 90 minutes to try to do something. We should go there and try as hard as we can. Maybe Barcelona had more possession but they didn't create too many chances because we were very solid defending.

“We must be a little bit disappointed but now we need to have belief and try to do well in Camp Nou."

Playmaker Samir Nasri hopes City can produce a response similar to the one they mustered after being humbled by Bayern Munich in October.

City were outplayed as they lost their home group match to the reigning champions 3–1 but they won the return match in Germany in December 3–2.

Nasri said: "It is a different game but why not? We went to Munich and we won. We could do the same.”