![\"_81750482_aguero\"](\"http:\/\/4cd.e16.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/81750482_aguero.jpg\")
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The former Villarreal boss admitted this week that he did not feel under pressure despite speculation that he could be sacked at the end of the season.<\/p>\n
But after a wonderful exhibition of cute passing and mesmerising dribbling from Messi, there was little either Pellegrini or his team could do to stop the 27-year-old.<\/p>\n
From the beginning, he was a menace, whether exchanging one-twos with Andres Iniesta or curling free-kicks with the type of spin a baseball pitcher would have been proud of.<\/p>\n
The only thing missing from Messi’s superlative display was a goal.
\nBut after Neymar had hit the post early on after Vincent Kompany was dispossessed on the edge of his own box, Messi turned provider when he found Rakitic with a crossfield pass following a quick counter-attack.<\/p>\n
In City’s only notable chance of the first half, James Milner failed to touch in Yaya Toure’s low cross.
\nLuis Suarez, who scored twice in the first leg, hit the post before the break and there was no let-up after the interval.<\/p>\n
Fortunately for City, Hart had a superb night and made 10 saves overall, a record for an English goalkeeper in the Champions League.<\/p>\n
As the game entered its last half hour, the visitors did threaten the Barca goal and they were prepared to leave gaps at the back in doing so.<\/p>\n
Their chance to change the tie’s complexion was wasted, though, after Aguero was tripped in the penalty area by Gerard Pique.
\nCity’s top scorer stepped up to take the kick himself but Marc-Andre ter Stegen easily saved to his right.<\/p>\n