Historic task awaits Man City in Barcelona

Manchester City face a huge challenge if they are to reach the last eight of the Champions League for the first time ever by overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit when they travel to an in-form Barcelona on March 18.
      
The English champions were outplayed at home for the second season in a row at this stage of the competition three weeks ago and could have been even further behind travelling to the Catalan capital had Joe Hart not saved a Lionel Messi penalty in stoppage time at the Etihad.
      
Both sides also come into the game at the Camp Nou in contrasting form domestically. City's title challenge appears all but over after a shock 1-0 defeat at relegation threatened Burnley on Saturday, whilst Barca have soared to the top of La Liga in recent weeks on a run of 16 victories in their last 17 games.
      
Yet, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is insistent that his job is not on the line should elimination at the Camp Nou all but seal a trophyless season.
      
"I have no sense whatsoever that my job's at risk," the Chilean told The Guardian.
      
"The Champions League is very important but it can't distort everything."       

Pellegrini was criticised by many for his over-eager attacking intent in the first leg, which allowed Barca's star front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to prosper.
      
However, he believes that philosophy is what still gives them a chance despite the daunting prospect of having to win at the Camp Nou.
      
"The starting point is that it is possible to go to Barcelona and win. We have to have that mentality, our mentality.
      
"Our identity is to have a big-team mentality, to go to win. And now losing 2-1, we have to attack."        By contrast...