Sergio Aguero reveals secret to Manchester City's victory over Barcelona

By Paul Vinnell

Wednesday 2 November 2016 15:48, UK

Sergio Aguero has revealed the secret to Manchester City's famous victory over Barcelona - pretending they were playing a different team.

The City striker also played down rumours of a spat with Lionel Messi in the tunnel after the game, which City won 3-1 to turn the tables on Barca, who thumped Pep Guardiola's men 4-0 at the Nou Camp two weeks ago.

City responded to Lionel Messi's early goal with Ilkay Gundogan strikes either side of a brilliant Kevin De Bruyne free-kick to beat the five-times European champions.

Striker Aguero said: "They're a difficult team, obviously. If you give them the time and the space to think, they will beat you.

"You always have to respect Barca and any team would respect that, but we had to pretend that it wasn't Barca and try to play how we know, and win, which was the most important thing.

"I've experienced many different important nights, and this was another one that not only me but the whole team enjoyed.

"We also could feel the support from the fans and that was important for our confidence. It was a nice game for the memories."

Away from the pitch Aguero and Messi - Argentina team-mates - are the best of friends, but there were reports that the two squabbled in the tunnel after the match.

"We haven't talked. Whenever you lose you're not very happy," Aguero said. "I know him well enough to know when he's bad, when he's good. Leo wasn't in the mood to talk and I respect that."

Aguero did not score but was nevertheless highly influential on the night. He was left out of the starting line-up at the Nou Camp which forced Guardiola to deny suggestions the striker had no part in his future plans for City.

The 28-year-old denied being left out had angered him.