Instead the Treble-chasing
Spanish champions and league leaders are visiting Quadruple-hunting Blues in
mouth-watering Champions League last-16 tie
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said their showdown with Manchester City
would be a worthy Champions League Final.
Barca top La Liga and remain in the hunt for three trophies this season,
while City have their sights set on a unique Quadruple haul.
Against that backdrop, Nou Camp boss
Martino said Tuesday night’s glamour
tie between the two clubs would have made a classic final.
“Yes, it could have been a final,” said Martino. “It would be ideal if we
met City later, maybe in the last eight. The two teams are very good, doing
very well in the league and the cups, and it is the perfect timing for them to
arrive into this game.”
Martino acknowledged there is pressure on Barca to win this season’s
European Cup, having failed to lift the trophy since 2011.
Barca have dominated the Champions League in recent seasons, winning it
twice in three years under former boss Pep Guardiola, and their fans are
desperate for another triumph in Lisbon in May.
“For the last six seasons, Barcelona has made it to the semi-finals and the
fans are used to it,” added Martino. “So it will be difficult to understand if
we don’t go through, but this is the tightest tie of all.
“City have a very similar style to us, maybe a bit more direct, but they
are very good at possession of the ball. I think the team with less possession
of the ball will suffer the most.”
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