First Half

The match at the Etihad Stadium unfolded with Manchester City leading Barcelona 2-0 in the first half of their Champions League encounter. By the 35th minute, the game had already seen plenty of action, with the home side firmly in control. The pitch was wet from earlier rain, and the crowd stayed loud, especially the City supporters who cheered every move their team made. Barcelona's fans, though fewer in number, kept shouting encouragement, hoping for a turnaround.

Manchester City lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation and started strong. Tariq Mensah had scored both goals for City. The first came early when Felipe Navarro swung in a free kick from the right, and Mensah got in front of his marker to head it past Vitor Ayala at the near post. The second goal happened later, when Mensah collected a pass just outside the box, took a touch, and smashed a shot into the top corner before Ayala could react. City didn't let up after that and kept pushing for more.