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Manchester City 0-2 Barcelona: Messi & Alves capitalise on Demichelis sending off
Lionel Messi and Dani Alves capitalised on the sending off of Martin Demichelis as Barcelona left Manchester City's Champions League hopes in tatters at the Etihad Stadium.
The visitors had the lion's share of possession in the first half but failed to cause home goalkeeper Joe Hart too many problems. City soaked up the pressure well and carved out a few opportunities of their own, but Demichelis' foul on Messi early in the second half represented a turning point.
The defender was dismissed for bringing his fellow Argentine down after he had been played in by a sublime Andres Iniesta pass, and Messi duly stroked home the resulting spot-kick for his seventh goal in four Champions League outings this term.
Barca's control over proceedings inevitably grew with their numerical advantage, and Alves added a second in the closing moments from close range - dealing a huge blow to City's chances of progression.
Alvaro Negredo was City's only out-and-out striker as Manuel Pellegrini looked to bolster his midfield and counter Barcelona's considerable attacking threat, while Gerardo Martino opted for Cesc Fabregas in place of Pedro.
The hosts struggled to get a touch on the ball in the opening stages as their visitors stroked it around with ease but, despite the Spanish champions' early dominance, it was two of the home side's Iberian imports who carved out the first chance of the match - David Silva playing in Negredo, who failed to find the net from a tight angle.
For an encounter between two of the world's most technically gifted sides, the deadlock was almost broken in the scrappiest of manners in the 25th minute, as Victor Valdes' failure to deal with a Silva free-kick sparked havoc in the Barca penalty area. The goalkeeper eventually got back to his feet to claim the loose ball.
Messi got his first sight of goal on the half-hour mark but scooped a right-footed effort over the crossbar, before Xavi forced Joe Hart into a diving save with a speculative effort from 20 yards.Negredo headed just wide of the target from a Jesus Navas cross on the stroke of half-time as the sides went in level at the break.
But City's hard work in the first half unravelled nine minutes into the second, as the referee ruled that Demichelis had brought down Messi just inside the area - a challenge that earned the City defender his marching orders.Messi picked himself up to calmly knock the ball straight down the middle past Hart.
City brought on Joleon Lescott as the focus shifted towards damage limitation ahead of the second leg, but could have found themselves two down when Alves drove the ball just wide of Hart's far post.
Silva took the ball down on his chest superbly in the Barcelona area 15 minutes from time, but Valdes got down well to keep out his eventual strike, before Pique had a goal disallowed at the other end after Cesc Fabregas was deemed to be offside.
Alves then stormed into the box in the 90th minute to slot home a goal that puts Barca in the driving seat ahead of a second leg on home soil.
Lionel Messi and Dani Alves capitalised on the sending off of Martin Demichelis as Barcelona left Manchester City's Champions League hopes in tatters at the Etihad Stadium.
The visitors had the lion's share of possession in the first half but failed to cause home goalkeeper Joe Hart too many problems. City soaked up the pressure well and carved out a few opportunities of their own, but Demichelis' foul on Messi early in the second half represented a turning point.
The defender was dismissed for bringing his fellow Argentine down after he had been played in by a sublime Andres Iniesta pass, and Messi duly stroked home the resulting spot-kick for his seventh goal in four Champions League outings this term.
Barca's control over proceedings inevitably grew with their numerical advantage, and Alves added a second in the closing moments from close range - dealing a huge blow to City's chances of progression.
Alvaro Negredo was City's only out-and-out striker as Manuel Pellegrini looked to bolster his midfield and counter Barcelona's considerable attacking threat, while Gerardo Martino opted for Cesc Fabregas in place of Pedro.
The hosts struggled to get a touch on the ball in the opening stages as their visitors stroked it around with ease but, despite the Spanish champions' early dominance, it was two of the home side's Iberian imports who carved out the first chance of the match - David Silva playing in Negredo, who failed to find the net from a tight angle.
For an encounter between two of the world's most technically gifted sides, the deadlock was almost broken in the scrappiest of manners in the 25th minute, as Victor Valdes' failure to deal with a Silva free-kick sparked havoc in the Barca penalty area. The goalkeeper eventually got back to his feet to claim the loose ball.
Messi got his first sight of goal on the half-hour mark but scooped a right-footed effort over the crossbar, before Xavi forced Joe Hart into a diving save with a speculative effort from 20 yards.Negredo headed just wide of the target from a Jesus Navas cross on the stroke of half-time as the sides went in level at the break.
But City's hard work in the first half unravelled nine minutes into the second, as the referee ruled that Demichelis had brought down Messi just inside the area - a challenge that earned the City defender his marching orders.Messi picked himself up to calmly knock the ball straight down the middle past Hart.
City brought on Joleon Lescott as the focus shifted towards damage limitation ahead of the second leg, but could have found themselves two down when Alves drove the ball just wide of Hart's far post.
Silva took the ball down on his chest superbly in the Barcelona area 15 minutes from time, but Valdes got down well to keep out his eventual strike, before Pique had a goal disallowed at the other end after Cesc Fabregas was deemed to be offside.
Alves then stormed into the box in the 90th minute to slot home a goal that puts Barca in the driving seat ahead of a second leg on home soil.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-4 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic sparks Parisien romp
Paris Saint-Germain put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a virtuoso display from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Ligue 1 champions beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at the BayArena.
The Ligue 1 champions were favourites going into the tie after an almost faultless group stage campaign, and duly backed up that billing with a commanding victory in Germany on Tuesday.
And it was Ibrahimovic who played the starring role, as he scored twice to become the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 10 goals in just six matches.
His two strikes were sandwiched in between Blaise Matuidi's opener and Yohan Cabaye's first goal for the club in the dying stages as PSG took complete control of this tie ahead of the second leg on March 12.Laurent Blanc's side were once again without the injured Edinson Cavani, but his absence did not appear to affect them as they took the lead inside three minutes.
Matuidi scuffed an effort under Bernd Leno to give PSG a crucial away goal after latching on to a precise pass from Marco Verratti.Leno was perhaps at fault for the opener and almost handed the visitors a second when he spilled Gregory van der Wiel's deep cross, only for Mehmet Toprak to spare his blushes by blocking Ibrahimovic's point-blank effort.
Leverkusen looked to have stemmed the tide as chances became few and far between, however, the hosts' task was made even tougher on 38 minutes when PSG were awarded a penalty.Emir Spahic was adjudged to have pulled down Ezequiel Lavezzi, enabling Ibrahimovic to step up and fire the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Hyypia's men may have felt aggrieved by that decision, but could have few complaints as Ibrahimovic effectively ended the tie with a spectacular second.
Matuidi was involved again as he laid the ball off to the Sweden striker, who lashed a fierce left-footed strike from the edge of the area beyond the helpless Leno and into the top corner.
Leverkusen made two changes at the interval as Julian Brandt and Stefan Reinartz replaced Simon Rolfes and Son Heung-Min.However, the alterations had little impact and PSG looked to have added a fourth when Matuidi's effort was deflected into the net by Spahic on 66 minutes.
That strike was ruled out for offside, but the French outfit did apply the gloss to a magnificent team display when substitute Cabaye curled home his first goal for the club from Lucas Moura's lay-off two minutes from time.
Paris Saint-Germain put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a virtuoso display from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Ligue 1 champions beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at the BayArena.
The Ligue 1 champions were favourites going into the tie after an almost faultless group stage campaign, and duly backed up that billing with a commanding victory in Germany on Tuesday.
And it was Ibrahimovic who played the starring role, as he scored twice to become the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 10 goals in just six matches.
His two strikes were sandwiched in between Blaise Matuidi's opener and Yohan Cabaye's first goal for the club in the dying stages as PSG took complete control of this tie ahead of the second leg on March 12.Laurent Blanc's side were once again without the injured Edinson Cavani, but his absence did not appear to affect them as they took the lead inside three minutes.
Matuidi scuffed an effort under Bernd Leno to give PSG a crucial away goal after latching on to a precise pass from Marco Verratti.Leno was perhaps at fault for the opener and almost handed the visitors a second when he spilled Gregory van der Wiel's deep cross, only for Mehmet Toprak to spare his blushes by blocking Ibrahimovic's point-blank effort.
Leverkusen looked to have stemmed the tide as chances became few and far between, however, the hosts' task was made even tougher on 38 minutes when PSG were awarded a penalty.Emir Spahic was adjudged to have pulled down Ezequiel Lavezzi, enabling Ibrahimovic to step up and fire the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Hyypia's men may have felt aggrieved by that decision, but could have few complaints as Ibrahimovic effectively ended the tie with a spectacular second.
Matuidi was involved again as he laid the ball off to the Sweden striker, who lashed a fierce left-footed strike from the edge of the area beyond the helpless Leno and into the top corner.
Leverkusen made two changes at the interval as Julian Brandt and Stefan Reinartz replaced Simon Rolfes and Son Heung-Min.However, the alterations had little impact and PSG looked to have added a fourth when Matuidi's effort was deflected into the net by Spahic on 66 minutes.
That strike was ruled out for offside, but the French outfit did apply the gloss to a magnificent team display when substitute Cabaye curled home his first goal for the club from Lucas Moura's lay-off two minutes from time.
Leverkusen were better with 10 men - Hyypia
Bayer Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia said his side played better with 10-men after Paris Saint-Germain thrashed his side 4-0 at the BayArena on Tuesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double - split up by goals at the very start and end of the game from Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye respectively - saw les Parisiens put one foot firmly in the Champions League quarter-finals with the first-leg win.
The Bundesliga side need a miracle at Parc des Princes in the second leg, though the Finnish coach denied that his players were entirely to blame for the four-goal thrashing.
"You can't say that it all went wrong. You also have to look at what kind of team we faced," Hyypia told reporters.
"PSG are a top-class opponent and they were excellent. If you fall behind after three minutes it is always difficult to fight back."
Emir Spahic was sent off for Leverkusen on the hour-mark and Hyypia said his team reacted well to the red card, even suggesting they were better off being a man down.
"It became very difficult and we never found our usual rhythm during the first half," the Bundesliga coach added.
"After their first goal it took us 15 to 20 minutes to get back into the game. In the second half we had a man sent off and I felt that we were better with 10 men than 11."
Bayer Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia said his side played better with 10-men after Paris Saint-Germain thrashed his side 4-0 at the BayArena on Tuesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double - split up by goals at the very start and end of the game from Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye respectively - saw les Parisiens put one foot firmly in the Champions League quarter-finals with the first-leg win.
The Bundesliga side need a miracle at Parc des Princes in the second leg, though the Finnish coach denied that his players were entirely to blame for the four-goal thrashing.
"You can't say that it all went wrong. You also have to look at what kind of team we faced," Hyypia told reporters.
"PSG are a top-class opponent and they were excellent. If you fall behind after three minutes it is always difficult to fight back."
Emir Spahic was sent off for Leverkusen on the hour-mark and Hyypia said his team reacted well to the red card, even suggesting they were better off being a man down.
"It became very difficult and we never found our usual rhythm during the first half," the Bundesliga coach added.
"After their first goal it took us 15 to 20 minutes to get back into the game. In the second half we had a man sent off and I felt that we were better with 10 men than 11."
Blanc: I'm spoilt for choice at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says he is "spoilt for choice" following his side's 4-0 Champions League demolition of Bayer Leverkusen.
Les Parisiens eased to an emphatic win in the first leg of their last-16 clash in Germany on Tuesday as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a double in between Blaise Matuidi's early opener and Yohan Cabaye's late strike.
PSG are now all-but-assured of a place in the last eight of the competition ahead of the second leg at the Parc des Princes on March 12 and Blanc was quick to congratulate his players on a magnificent display."Our team felt very focused after the Valenciennes match last Friday," the former France head coach told Canal Plus. "We were waiting for this game for a long time. We felt that the players were raring to go.
"Scoring in the third minute always helps. All that is left is to congratulate the players. PSG were very strong tonight - individually and collectively."The state of mind of the group is very good at the moment. I am spoilt for choice with my team selection. What is interesting is that you can count on everyone because everyone is focused and involved."
Ibrahimovic is now the top scorer in the tournament following his double at the BayArena, which took the striker's tally to 10 goals in just six Champions League games this term.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says he is "spoilt for choice" following his side's 4-0 Champions League demolition of Bayer Leverkusen.
Les Parisiens eased to an emphatic win in the first leg of their last-16 clash in Germany on Tuesday as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a double in between Blaise Matuidi's early opener and Yohan Cabaye's late strike.
PSG are now all-but-assured of a place in the last eight of the competition ahead of the second leg at the Parc des Princes on March 12 and Blanc was quick to congratulate his players on a magnificent display."Our team felt very focused after the Valenciennes match last Friday," the former France head coach told Canal Plus. "We were waiting for this game for a long time. We felt that the players were raring to go.
"Scoring in the third minute always helps. All that is left is to congratulate the players. PSG were very strong tonight - individually and collectively."The state of mind of the group is very good at the moment. I am spoilt for choice with my team selection. What is interesting is that you can count on everyone because everyone is focused and involved."
Ibrahimovic is now the top scorer in the tournament following his double at the BayArena, which took the striker's tally to 10 goals in just six Champions League games this term.
Ibrahimovic: PSG made winning easy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Paris Saint-Germain made it easy for themselves in their 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring three minutes into the Champions League last-16 first leg at the BayArena, firing underneath goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Sami Hyypia's side conceded twice just before half-time, with Ibrahimovic the scorer on both occasions - the first a penalty and the second a spectacular effort that fired into the top corner from outside the 18-yard box.
January signing Yohan Cabaye added a fourth effort with two minutes to go, but by then the game and arguably the two-legged tie was wrapped up, which Ibrahimovic thinks was because les Parisiens started the game which such venom.
"We had a good game," the Sweden striker, who is now the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 10 goals, told Uefa.com. "We scored early and when you are in the lead it is much easier.
"The first, second and third goals came in the first half and in the second half we played our game. This was a good evening."
Cabaye scored in his first Champions League game since returning to France from Newcastle United in January and the central midfielder was thrilled to get on the scoresheet in the comfortable victory.
"I was happy to see that display from the team," PSG's newest addition said. "It was very important for me to score as well."
PSG will host Bayer Leverkusen at Parc des Princes on March 12.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Paris Saint-Germain made it easy for themselves in their 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring three minutes into the Champions League last-16 first leg at the BayArena, firing underneath goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Sami Hyypia's side conceded twice just before half-time, with Ibrahimovic the scorer on both occasions - the first a penalty and the second a spectacular effort that fired into the top corner from outside the 18-yard box.
January signing Yohan Cabaye added a fourth effort with two minutes to go, but by then the game and arguably the two-legged tie was wrapped up, which Ibrahimovic thinks was because les Parisiens started the game which such venom.
"We had a good game," the Sweden striker, who is now the top scorer in this season's Champions League with 10 goals, told Uefa.com. "We scored early and when you are in the lead it is much easier.
"The first, second and third goals came in the first half and in the second half we played our game. This was a good evening."
Cabaye scored in his first Champions League game since returning to France from Newcastle United in January and the central midfielder was thrilled to get on the scoresheet in the comfortable victory.
"I was happy to see that display from the team," PSG's newest addition said. "It was very important for me to score as well."
PSG will host Bayer Leverkusen at Parc des Princes on March 12.
'Don't take Qatar's blood money' - Barcelona's Twitter accounts hacked
Barcelona's official Twitter accounts were hacked on Tuesday following their 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League.
All of the posts contained a link to the profile of the 'Syrian Electronic Army', suggesting the group wanted to take responsibility for breaking into the Spanish, Catalonian and English handles.
Three identical posts were left which criticised the Blaugrana's ties with Qatar - a nation in the same Arabic region as the civil war-torn Syria - with Qatar Airways the current sponsor of the club's shirts.
The recurring tweet read: "Dear FC Barcelona management, don't let the Qatari money funds you, it's full of blood and kill [sic]."
Hack & Dash | Barca's accounts were sneaked into and posted on without their knowledge
The messages took over 10 minutes for the Spanish and Catalonian profiles to delete, and even longer for the English language outlet, but not before the hacker gave Clasico rivals Real Madrid a heads up.
"Special hi to Real Madrid," the short tweet read on Barca's English edition after the initial protest message against Qatar.
The three official Twitter profiles of La Liga's leaders - who put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 away victory at Man City on Tuesday - have a combined following of just over 21.3 million people.
Fulham confirm Meulensteen departure
Fulham have confirmed the departures of Rene Meulensteen, Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins from their coaching staff.The future of the trio had been subject to much speculation since the appointment of Felix Magath as the Premier League strugglers' new first-team manager last Friday.
Meulensteen was head coach at Craven Cottage prior to Magath's arrival, with Curbishley and Wilkins acting as technical director and assistant head coach respectively during the Dutchman's tenure.
And Fulham announced on Tuesday that all three, as well as coaches Jonathan Hill and Mick Priest, have now left the club.Tomas Oral has been appointed as first-team coach, while Werner Leuthard is the club's new conditioning coach.
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said in a statement released on the club's official website: "I'm very grateful to Rene, Alan and Ray, as well as Mick and Jonathan, for their commitment to Fulham.
"Their efforts were admirable and appreciated, and I wish them the best."Felix has come to Fulham with purpose and exceptional confidence, and I know he's extremely pleased to have Tomas Oral and Werner Leuthard join him for the mission ahead."From today forward, the focus is singularly on winning matches and remaining in the Barclays Premier League. The work has begun."
Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety, ahead of their trip to West Brom on Saturday.
Fulham have confirmed the departures of Rene Meulensteen, Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins from their coaching staff.The future of the trio had been subject to much speculation since the appointment of Felix Magath as the Premier League strugglers' new first-team manager last Friday.
Meulensteen was head coach at Craven Cottage prior to Magath's arrival, with Curbishley and Wilkins acting as technical director and assistant head coach respectively during the Dutchman's tenure.
And Fulham announced on Tuesday that all three, as well as coaches Jonathan Hill and Mick Priest, have now left the club.Tomas Oral has been appointed as first-team coach, while Werner Leuthard is the club's new conditioning coach.
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said in a statement released on the club's official website: "I'm very grateful to Rene, Alan and Ray, as well as Mick and Jonathan, for their commitment to Fulham.
"Their efforts were admirable and appreciated, and I wish them the best."Felix has come to Fulham with purpose and exceptional confidence, and I know he's extremely pleased to have Tomas Oral and Werner Leuthard join him for the mission ahead."From today forward, the focus is singularly on winning matches and remaining in the Barclays Premier League. The work has begun."
Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety, ahead of their trip to West Brom on Saturday.
'Terrific win for Barcelona' - Iniesta
Andres Iniesta says Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday was a "terrific result".
The Catalans were unable to breakthrough the Blues defence in the first half but midway through the second period that all changed.
Martin Demichelis was sent off for a desperate lunge on Lionel Messi as he raced in on goal, with Barca awarded a penalty that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner slotted home with ease.
Dani Alves added a second for Gerardo Martino's men late in the game to leave Manuel Pellegrini's side needing a minor miracle at Camp Nou to reach the quarter-finals.
"It is a terrific result for us," Iniesta, 29, told reporters. "They tightened up their defence a lot, even with a man down, but we knew if we had the ball a lot then we would score a goal.
"City have players of a very high level, this required a performance like that. A lot of possession and chances eventually materialise.
"It is a very good result but we cannot be over confident."
Demichelis' red card was a defining moment in the match, with Iniesta expressing there was little doubt in his mind it was a deserved penalty and a sending off.
"The penalty was clear as he was the last defender, so the expulsion is fair too," he added.
History is now against Man City as no team has ever come back from a 2-0 knock-out loss on home turf in a Champions League first leg to go on to qualify for the subsequent round of matches.
Andres Iniesta says Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday was a "terrific result".
The Catalans were unable to breakthrough the Blues defence in the first half but midway through the second period that all changed.
Martin Demichelis was sent off for a desperate lunge on Lionel Messi as he raced in on goal, with Barca awarded a penalty that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner slotted home with ease.
Dani Alves added a second for Gerardo Martino's men late in the game to leave Manuel Pellegrini's side needing a minor miracle at Camp Nou to reach the quarter-finals.
"It is a terrific result for us," Iniesta, 29, told reporters. "They tightened up their defence a lot, even with a man down, but we knew if we had the ball a lot then we would score a goal.
"City have players of a very high level, this required a performance like that. A lot of possession and chances eventually materialise.
"It is a very good result but we cannot be over confident."
Demichelis' red card was a defining moment in the match, with Iniesta expressing there was little doubt in his mind it was a deserved penalty and a sending off.
"The penalty was clear as he was the last defender, so the expulsion is fair too," he added.
History is now against Man City as no team has ever come back from a 2-0 knock-out loss on home turf in a Champions League first leg to go on to qualify for the subsequent round of matches.
Pellegrini slams referee after Barcelona defeat: He decided the game
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has criticised referee Jonas Eriksson following his side's Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
The Premier League title challengers were put to the sword by Tata Martino's side, with Lionel Messi converting from the penalty spot following a cynical foul by Martin Demichelis before Dani Alves sealed the win in the closing moments of the match.
Demichelis was red carded for the foul on Argentine maestro Messi and Pellegrini has blamed referee Erkisson for the defeat, insisting that Uefa made a mistake in appointing him to take charge of the last-16 first-leg encounter.
He told Sky Sports: "Of course I have a complaint, and not only for the penalty and the red card. In the whole match I didn't feel we had a referee with impartiality to both teams, and he decided the game.
"He decided the game because it was a foul by Busquets on Navas. He was three metres away but didn't want to whistle, and the foul by Demichelis outside the box is not a penalty.
"With such important mistakes against a team as great as Barcelona, it's very difficult to win.
"I think it's a mistake to nominate a referee who had problems with Barcelona [turned down penalty appeals vs AC Milan last year] as the referee here, and I repeat he decided the game."
Reflecting on whether his side can turn things around and advance to the quarter-final stage of the competition, Pellegrini accepts it will be a tough ask but holds out hope that a comeback could still be possible.
He added: "Of course we are going to try. We are going to play in Camp Nou. We did it against Bayern after we lost at home. The second goal was a difficult moment because the match was ending and now they have a two-goal advantage, but we will see what we can do there."
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has criticised referee Jonas Eriksson following his side's Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
The Premier League title challengers were put to the sword by Tata Martino's side, with Lionel Messi converting from the penalty spot following a cynical foul by Martin Demichelis before Dani Alves sealed the win in the closing moments of the match.
Demichelis was red carded for the foul on Argentine maestro Messi and Pellegrini has blamed referee Erkisson for the defeat, insisting that Uefa made a mistake in appointing him to take charge of the last-16 first-leg encounter.
He told Sky Sports: "Of course I have a complaint, and not only for the penalty and the red card. In the whole match I didn't feel we had a referee with impartiality to both teams, and he decided the game.
"He decided the game because it was a foul by Busquets on Navas. He was three metres away but didn't want to whistle, and the foul by Demichelis outside the box is not a penalty.
"With such important mistakes against a team as great as Barcelona, it's very difficult to win.
"I think it's a mistake to nominate a referee who had problems with Barcelona [turned down penalty appeals vs AC Milan last year] as the referee here, and I repeat he decided the game."
Reflecting on whether his side can turn things around and advance to the quarter-final stage of the competition, Pellegrini accepts it will be a tough ask but holds out hope that a comeback could still be possible.
He added: "Of course we are going to try. We are going to play in Camp Nou. We did it against Bayern after we lost at home. The second goal was a difficult moment because the match was ending and now they have a two-goal advantage, but we will see what we can do there."
'Special feeling to be back in London' - Robben
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben says it feels special to be back in London after his Champions League final heroics last season.
The Dutchman scored a late winner in the Bavarians' showpiece clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last May to crown the club champions of Europe.
Pep Guardiola's men are back in the city to face Arsenal on Wednesday in the last 16 of the tournament for the second season running and Robben says the Bundesliga side are aware that they have plenty of work to do.
"It's a special feeling to come back to London," the 30-year-old told reporters. "The last time we were here was for a highlight.
"But we all have to start from scratch - we all know it. We are hungry to win the Champions League again, but these are two very tough legs ahead of us first."
Die Roten goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also revealed his excitement at facing the Gunners this week, as he will get to face former Schalke team-mate Mesut Ozil at the Emirates Stadium.
"Of course it will be something special to face Ozil," the Germany No.1 said. "Bayern must be alert from the first second on Wednesday."
Bayern head into the European clash on the back of a 4-0 victory over Freiburg, although they will be without injured attackers Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben says it feels special to be back in London after his Champions League final heroics last season.
The Dutchman scored a late winner in the Bavarians' showpiece clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last May to crown the club champions of Europe.
Pep Guardiola's men are back in the city to face Arsenal on Wednesday in the last 16 of the tournament for the second season running and Robben says the Bundesliga side are aware that they have plenty of work to do.
"It's a special feeling to come back to London," the 30-year-old told reporters. "The last time we were here was for a highlight.
"But we all have to start from scratch - we all know it. We are hungry to win the Champions League again, but these are two very tough legs ahead of us first."
Die Roten goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also revealed his excitement at facing the Gunners this week, as he will get to face former Schalke team-mate Mesut Ozil at the Emirates Stadium.
"Of course it will be something special to face Ozil," the Germany No.1 said. "Bayern must be alert from the first second on Wednesday."
Bayern head into the European clash on the back of a 4-0 victory over Freiburg, although they will be without injured attackers Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Mata: Manchester United can still secure top-four finish
Manchester United's record signing Juan Mata is still hopeful the club can finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.
The Spain international arrived at Old Trafford in a £37.1million deal from Premier League rivals Chelsea in January and has had an immediate impact, assisting goals in three of his first four league outings for the Red Devils.
Having failed to win their last three matches, though, David Moyes' men are now 11 points adrift of Liverpool, who currently occupy fourth spot, but Mata has refused to concede defeat in the race for Champions League football.
"The objective is to get to the Champions League spots," he told Canal Plus.
"It's difficult because Liverpool are doing well, so are Arsenal, as well as Tottenham and Everton, who are all clubs also fighting for them, but I think we have a team who can do it.
"This is Manchester United. When this club wins two, three or four matches in a row, it has a winner's mentality.
"We are coming and I think we can do it, but we have to win a lot of games first."
Mata moved to Old Trafford after falling out of favour with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, and the 25-year-old says he is made to feel valued by new manager David Moyes.
"He made me feel important and I think that's fundamental when you arrive at such a big club that has made a huge investment in you," the former Valencia man added.
"It's nice when the manager tells you 'Juan, you're important to the team and we need you on the ball as much as possible' and that's what I try to do.
"My relationship with him is good, friendly and from the off, he seemed to me to be a great person."
Schalke can't be arrogant, insists Huntelaar
Klass-Jan Huntelaar has warned his fellow Schalke team-mates not to get to "cocky" following their upturn in form.
The Bundesliga side had not dropped a single point since the return of the Dutchman, who scored the winning goal in Schalke's 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.
However, despite taking 12 points from their last four games, the 30-year-old has urged his side not to get carried away.
“When you win several games in a row everyone's always relaxed and satisfied,” the striker told the club’s official website. “We have to keep going now. The players have come closer together recently and are united.
“When you've been out a long time you're dying to play again. You appreciate how nice it is to be fit again. I feel good and I'm glad to be able to help the team.
“Our target is to finish at least fourth. We've always said that's the position we wanted. It has maximum priority.
“Despite or rather precisely because of our recent success we can't afford to be cocky now, though. We simply have to keep working the way we have been doing.”
Schalke lie in fourth spot, three points behind second-placed Leverkusen.
Klass-Jan Huntelaar has warned his fellow Schalke team-mates not to get to "cocky" following their upturn in form.
The Bundesliga side had not dropped a single point since the return of the Dutchman, who scored the winning goal in Schalke's 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.
However, despite taking 12 points from their last four games, the 30-year-old has urged his side not to get carried away.
“When you win several games in a row everyone's always relaxed and satisfied,” the striker told the club’s official website. “We have to keep going now. The players have come closer together recently and are united.
“When you've been out a long time you're dying to play again. You appreciate how nice it is to be fit again. I feel good and I'm glad to be able to help the team.
“Our target is to finish at least fourth. We've always said that's the position we wanted. It has maximum priority.
“Despite or rather precisely because of our recent success we can't afford to be cocky now, though. We simply have to keep working the way we have been doing.”
Schalke lie in fourth spot, three points behind second-placed Leverkusen.
Arsenal in 'better mental shape' to face Bayern, says Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side are better mentally prepared to beat Bayern Munich than this time 12 months ago.
The Frenchman is preparing his side to face the reigning Champions League holders in a rematch of last season's round-of-16 tie, from which Bayern progressed on the away goals rule.
Arsenal had headed into that two-legged encounter on the back of a disappointing FA Cup defeat to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers, but, a year later, now sit second in the Premier League and go into Wednesday night's game off the back of FA Cup victory over Liverpool.
Wenger is buoyed by his side's current form and confident the Gunners can spring an upset when they welcome Pep Guardiola's men to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
"I think we are in a better mental shape than one year ago," Wenger said. "We'd lost to Blackburn in the FA Cup, which was a big disappointment.
"This time we won against Liverpool and we're determined to win the game (against Bayern). Since the start of the season we know we have to be 100 per cent. We believe we can do it but it's down to the quality of our performance."
Arsenal won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last season, having been beaten 3-1 at home, and subsequently went on a 10-match unbeaten run to secure fourth spot in the Premier League.
Wenger believes the victory in Germany proves Arsenal can compete with Bayern, but is keen to avoid a repeat of last year's poor first-leg display.
He added: "It (beating Bayern) gave us belief to finish the season well. Since the start of the season we've done well, we're in a strong position.
"It's down to us how, from game to game, we can show the same spirit and focus we showed against Liverpool.
"It is of course important (not to concede at home); every minute counts in a game of that stature. We are of course conscious of that, we will try to start very strong."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side are better mentally prepared to beat Bayern Munich than this time 12 months ago.
The Frenchman is preparing his side to face the reigning Champions League holders in a rematch of last season's round-of-16 tie, from which Bayern progressed on the away goals rule.
Arsenal had headed into that two-legged encounter on the back of a disappointing FA Cup defeat to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers, but, a year later, now sit second in the Premier League and go into Wednesday night's game off the back of FA Cup victory over Liverpool.
Wenger is buoyed by his side's current form and confident the Gunners can spring an upset when they welcome Pep Guardiola's men to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
"I think we are in a better mental shape than one year ago," Wenger said. "We'd lost to Blackburn in the FA Cup, which was a big disappointment.
"This time we won against Liverpool and we're determined to win the game (against Bayern). Since the start of the season we know we have to be 100 per cent. We believe we can do it but it's down to the quality of our performance."
Arsenal won 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last season, having been beaten 3-1 at home, and subsequently went on a 10-match unbeaten run to secure fourth spot in the Premier League.
Wenger believes the victory in Germany proves Arsenal can compete with Bayern, but is keen to avoid a repeat of last year's poor first-leg display.
He added: "It (beating Bayern) gave us belief to finish the season well. Since the start of the season we've done well, we're in a strong position.
"It's down to us how, from game to game, we can show the same spirit and focus we showed against Liverpool.
"It is of course important (not to concede at home); every minute counts in a game of that stature. We are of course conscious of that, we will try to start very strong."
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2014.02.19 1st Leg Fixtures
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2014.02.19 1st Leg Fixtures
Arsenal Vs Bayern
AC Milan Vs Atletico Madrid
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