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Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis hails Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

Manchester City's Martin Demichelis (r) challenges Luis Suarez of Barcelona
Image: Manchester City's Martin Demichelis challenges Luis Suarez of Barcelona

Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis has praised Luis Suarez after the striker's double secured Barcelona a 2-1 victory at the Etihad.

The former Liverpool favourite struck twice before half-time to ensure Barca take a narrow advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Nou Camp next month.

Suarez, who was playing in England for the first time since his £75m summer move, has been overshadowed recently by the form of team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar, but Demichelis insists there is little to separate the trio.

"Luis has already proved throughout his career what type of player he is and the quality he has," said the Argentina international.

"Football is like that, several days prior to the game, all the emphasis is placed on Messi and Neymar but the one who ends up scoring two goals is Luis Suarez. Barcelona have great players and any of them can make a difference."

Despite trailing from the home leg, Demichelis believes his side has the quality to advance to the quarter-finals on March 18.

"Without a doubt we are confident we can turn this around,” the 34-year-old said. "We will go to Barcelona to try to do our best and progress.

"We want to dominate in Europe and we will achieve that in the coming years. It would be important for us to progress to the next round. We need to take that step in the Champions League."

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