Luis Suarez was in fine form for Barcelona on Tuesday as the Spanish outfit edged out Manchester City 2-1 in their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash.

 

The Catalans surged ahead in the 16th minute as former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez found the back of the net. Lionel Messi set up the goal with a superb cross from the right, giving Suarez the chance to send his low shot home after his initial header rebounded off Vincent Kompany. 

 

Barca doubled their lead in the 30th minute with Suarez completing his brace. Messi initiated the attacking movement again as he slipped past a host of Blue shirts before setting up Jordi Alba on the left wing. The defender found himself in space and crossed low for Suarez to steer past Joe Hart.

 

Alves came agonisingly close to making it 3-0 in the 44th minute but his shot hit the City woodwork after the right back pounced on the loose ball.

 

Manchester City finally found a way back into the clash in the 69th minute when Sergio Aguero netted their opener. David Silva beat Javier Mascherano before back-heeling for the Argentine to fire home. 

 

Disaster struck for the hosts in the 74th minute as they were reduced to 10 men, making their comeback even more unlikely. Gael Clichy was already on a yellow card when he flew into the back of Alves to earn a second booking and marching orders.

 

Barca had a great chance to virtually kill the tie in stoppage time when Messi was brought down in the area by Zabaleta to earn a penalty, but the Argentine's spot-kick was saved parried by Hart and the follow-up header from Messi missed the target.