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

By Paul Vinnell

Image: Sergio Aguero is chased down by Lucas Digne of Barcelona (centre) and Javier Mascherano

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.

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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.

Image: Lionel Messi opens the scoring at the Etihad

"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.

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"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."

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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."

Image: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores his team's second goal against Barcelona

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.

Image: Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp two weeks ago

"I'm never angry. I respect every manager's decision," he said. "He said it was a tactical thing and I obviously respect that.

"When I went on the pitch I tried to give my best and then train hard to be ready for the next game. No one was in a bad mood."

Watch how Manchester City earned a famous victory over Barcelona

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