Tuesday 16 December 2014 14:06, UK
Guillem Balague thinks Manchester City are well equipped to beat Barcelona if they approach the game in the same vein as last season’s Champions League meeting.
City have been drawn against the four-time winners in the last 16 for the second consecutive season. The Spanish giants won 4-1 on aggregate a year ago - winning 2-0 at the Etihad and then 2-1 at the Nou Camp - but had Martín Demichelis sent-off at a crucial point in the first leg when the game was locked at 0-0.
However, Balague saw enough from Manuel Pellegrini’s men during the 180 minutes of football to suggest that the outcome may be different 12 months on.
“This is a really big fixture,” the Sky Sports Spanish football expert said.
“There is a feeling at Manchester City that without the Demichelis sending-off, they could have gone through and I think they are right to think so.
“In both games, City found the weaknesses of Barcelona and although they should have kept the ball a bit better, it was a very even two legs of football.
“Now we have a Barcelona team that are far too much dependant on individuals and the same can be said for Manchester City. Both clubs lack the consistency to be the best in Europe but on a good night they can beat anybody.
“It will be a very equal game and how fit Sergio Aguero is will be absolutely crucial for Manchester City’s chances.”
Meanwhile, Balague believes Real Madrid will have few problems seeing off familiar opponents in Schalke.
The defending champions face the German side for the second season running and after a 9-2 aggregate scoreline last season, he expects a similar outcome this time around.
“It’s a very easy tie for Real Madrid,” he added.
“Schalke’s defence opens up very easily. A lot of what happens offensively goes through Julian Draxler and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and that’s not going to be enough against Real Madrid.”
