Messi on target as Barcelona kills off City

Barcelona's Neymar reacts after missing a chance to score against Manchester City during their Champions League last 16 second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona March 12, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

TENTATIVE GAME

Barca had begun the game deeper than usual, looking to entice City to come at them so they could pounce on the counter. It was a tentative game early on as City held back and Barca's passing lacked fluidity.

The first half ended in a flourish as Neymar took advantage of a slip by Aleksandar Kolarov and his shot was scrambled wide by Joe Hart, while he also had another effort cleared off the line by Fernandinho.

In between, Nasri fired straight at Victor Valdes having been set up by Silva and the Spamiard also wasted a golden chance when he fired over with his favoured left foot from 15 metres out.

After the break Messi's threat grew and in the 50th minute he cut in from the right and hit the post with a low left-foot shot from inside the area.

At the other end Dzeko, who had replaced Sergio Aguero, had a header brilliantly clawed away by Valdes.

City were still in the contest until Lescott got in a tangle just inside his own area, and the English defender's worst fears were realised when he turned round to see Messi latch on to the loose ball, deceive Hart with his finish, and send Barca on their way to the last eight for the seventh successive season.

"Leo is the one whe makes the difference and that's what he is there for," said Xavi.

"Obviously, this is the Champions League and you suffer at times during the game. They played well, they are a good team and they had their chances, but I think we dominated the match."