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Messi, Neymar start for Barca, Aguero returns for City

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Lionel Messi was partnered by Neymar in attack as there were no surprises in Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino's side for the Catalans' Champions League last 16, second leg at home to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Neymar's inclusion was the only change from the Barca side that won 2-0 at the Etihad in the first leg three weeks ago as the Spanish international midfield quartet of Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta all started.

City were able to welcome back Messi's Argentine international teammate Sergio Aguero up front as Manuel Pellegrini made four changes in all from the first leg.

Joleon Lescott replaced the suspended Martin Demichelis following his red card in the first meeting between the teams.

Samir Nasri and James Milner also started with Jesus Navas, Gael Clichy and Alvaro Negredo dropping to the bench.

Starting line-ups

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi (capt), Cesc Fabregas; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta

Manchester City (4-4-1-1)

Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany (capt), Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov; James Milner, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Samir Nasri; David Silva; Sergio Aguero

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (FRA)

Lionel Messi was partnered by Neymar in attack as there were no surprises in Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino’s side for the Catalans’ Champions League last 16, second leg at home to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Neymar’s inclusion was the only change from the Barca side that won 2-0 at the Etihad in the first leg three weeks ago as the Spanish international midfield quartet of Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta all started.

City were able to welcome back Messi’s Argentine international teammate Sergio Aguero up front as Manuel Pellegrini made four changes in all from the first leg.

Joleon Lescott replaced the suspended Martin Demichelis following his red card in the first meeting between the teams.

Samir Nasri and James Milner also started with Jesus Navas, Gael Clichy and Alvaro Negredo dropping to the bench.

Starting line-ups

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi (capt), Cesc Fabregas; Neymar, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta

Manchester City (4-4-1-1)

Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany (capt), Joleon Lescott, Aleksandar Kolarov; James Milner, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Samir Nasri; David Silva; Sergio Aguero

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (FRA)

AFP
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With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

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