#3 Barcelona’s fringe players outclassed
Barcelona could not field their best possible starting XI on the day with several injuries to key personnel. Andre Gomes replaced the injured Andres Iniesta from the lineup, while Lucas Digne played in place of Alba, who walked off injured in the 4-0 victory from the last Champions League game week.
Jeremy Mathieu and Gerard Pique were also unavailable, as Barcelona had to field their weakest centre-back pairing of Umtiti and Javier Mascherano to cope with their copious injury troubles.
The effects of the injuries were apparent as Barca were pinned back during the second half by a number of fast-paced Manchester City counterattacks. A loose pass from the normally reliable Sergi Roberto gave City the opening for their first goal of the night.
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