Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League last 16 tie with Barcelona, city midfielder David Silva has said that a victory for his team will see them “come of age“.
Tonight sees the Catalan giants visit the Etihad Stadium and many believe this is City’s best chance of upsetting the odds and knocking out the Spanish team.
“It will be difficult, but beating Barcelona would be like a coming of age for Man City, very important for our confidence and international recognition,” Silva told the Manchester Evening News.
“It is a pity that we are without Sergio Aguero and possibly Fernandinho, who is very important for us in midfield. Sometimes we get a bit broken in midfield, there is too much separation between lines when we go forward, and are susceptible to the counter attack.”
 “Barcelona are the favourites.
“They have the history, the experience, and the best player in the world in Leo Messi – but of course we have an opportunity.”
City are in excellent home form this season, having lost the once at The Etihad in the Barclays Premier League so far.
If I had to make a prediction then it would be that there will be goals in this game. Both teams are frightening when on the attack and i’d expect tonight to be no different.
For more on this story please visit Sky Sports Online.
