Manchester: If this was the worst Barcelona team for many years, then Manchester City would have been trudged off at the final whistle well-defeated but hugely relieved not to have been facing the best.


Daniel Alves scores Barcelona's second goal at the Etihad Stadium. Pic/Getty Images 

Jose Mourinho's barbed taunt was no doubt aimed at antagonising both City and the Catalans in one fell swoop, but Barcelona departed from Manchester satisfied that they had overcome Manuel Pellegrini's side in a manner that no other side has managed at the Etihad this season, not even Chelsea.