It could have been a lot worse. Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
It was a dramatic, incident-packed night and the City fans went through the wringer…
1. Just happy to be there
BARCELONA GAME TODAY !! Can't wait man
— Horacio (@ItsJustHoracio) February 24, 2015
2. Disillusionment
It took 16 minutes for Luis Suarez to give Barcelona the lead – and it was their captain Vincent Kompany, not for the first time this season, who was at fault.
Kompany is without a doubt our worst defender atm
— #21 (@TheSilvaTurn) February 24, 2015
3. Renewed optimism
#mcfc #believe #together pic.twitter.com/pgOluuxPv6
— Karin♥MCFC (@PetersenKarin) February 24, 2015
4. Frustration
Barcelona had the lead and it was the visitors who were making all the running. On the ball and off the ball, they looked better and more hungry than City.
Difference in the workrate off the ball is the most frustrating thing #mcfc
— Darryn Hughes (@HughesDarryn) February 24, 2015
5. Anger
When it came on the half-hour mark, the second goal – also from Suarez – felt inevitable. Again there were question marks surrounding Kompany.
I am going to be sick the rest of the week. DISGUSTING. EMBARRASSING. #MCFC
— Kartik Krishnaiyer (@kkfla737) February 24, 2015
6. Gallows humour
Misery loves Kompany #mcfc
— Capital City Blues (@CapCityBlues) February 24, 2015
7. Blind faith
Typical City. When have we ever done things the easy way. Remember we were out of the Champions League a few months ago. Big half. #mcfc
— MCFC World (@MCFCworld) February 24, 2015
8. Desperation
Anyone up for a pitch invasion to get it called off if they get another?? #MCFC
— Scott Birchall (@ScottLarry88) February 24, 2015
9. Impatience
City started the second half well and actually looked threatening. This culminated in Edin Dzeko having a free header six yards out – he nodded it straight at Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
So are we bringing on Bony for Dzeko anytime soon? He has been dreadful finishing and diving.
— Taryn Lillian (@InTransit74) February 24, 2015
10. Elation
Just as Barcelona were reasserting their dominance, City scored. Sergio Aguero bagged the goal in the 69th minute after a wonderful touch from David Silva.
AGUEROOO!!!!!! GET IN #MCFC
— DJ Delaney (@OfficialDjDel) February 24, 2015
11. Exasperation
With the comeback charge was on, Gael Clichy picked up a second yellow card to ensure City would have to play the last 16 minutes with 10 men.
That sending off sums up city in Europe. #Naive #clichy #mcfc
— Craig Cassells (@cassells_craig) February 24, 2015
12. Relief
In stoppage time, Pablo Zabaleta dived in on compatriate Lionel Messi in the area for a stone-wall penalty. Messi stepped up and, somewhat improbably, saw his spot-kick saved by Joe Hart. Even more improbably, he headed the follow-up wide.
He wouldn't keep Milner out of the team would he #Messi #MCFCB
— Matt Collins (@charitychap) February 24, 2015
13. Perspective
All in all, after a difficult night, a 2-1 defeat wasn’t the worst result.
This could have been a whole lot worse we were poor in the first half but we have a glimmer of hope just about
— ManCityArmy1894 (@ManCityArmy1894) February 24, 2015
14. Renewed optimism
Not impossible in Spain.. Yaya Back.. players at 100% .. let the haters hate #MCFC
— stockholmonster (@stockholmonster) February 24, 2015
Source: SNAPPA
