Pablo Zabaleta has insisted that Manchester City can defy the odds and turn around their Champions League tie with Barcelona.
The Premier League champions must score at least two away goals in next month’s return leg at Camp Nou if they are to have any chance of dispelling the Catalans’ 2-1 aggregate lead in the last 16.
“The truth is that it wasn’t the expected result, but we have to look on the bright side, since Barca could have won by a bigger margin,” the right-back told reporters.
"In the first half they were better than us, but in the second half we reduced [their lead].
“[Lionel Messi’s] missed penalty leaves the tie open. We know it’ll be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
“Barca are one of the best in the world, there’s no doubt about that. They have great players who move the ball very well and possess a dominant attack.
"In the second leg we have to change our intensity, be more aggressive and fight quicker, as we did in the second half [of the first leg].
“We’re keen to reverse the result, win at Camp Nou and qualify for the next round. It’ll be difficult but it’s not impossible. We’ll arrive [at Camp Nou] with all the desire to win.”
