Wednesday 2 November 2016 07:32, UK
Sky Sports pundit Niall Quinn hailed Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League as one of the best in their history.
Barcelona took the lead through Lionel Messi midway through the first half but City fought back to equalise through Ilkay Gundogan six minutes before the break.
A scintillating second-half display saw Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick and a second goal from Gundogan seal a famous scalp under the Etihad Stadium lights and avenge the 4-0 defeat in Barcelona last month.
Speaking on Soccer Special, former City player Quinn was full of praise for Pep Guardiola's men - even comparing the significance of their win to their European Cup Winners' Cup triumph in 1970.
"Every player in the Manchester City team has given their all. They've put in a heroic performance," Quinn said.
"They have humbled mighty Barcelona. They didn't do it through luck, they did it through conviction and courage. They were like a team possessed.
"It's the most brilliant result in a long time. In April 1970, Tony Book lifted the Cup Winners' Cup and I think tonight can be compared to that."
After ending a run of five defeats against the Catalans, City now need just two points from their final two games to qualify for the knockout stage.
"It's a marvelous testament to the group and to Pep that they can turn it around after what was almost a humiliation in the reverse fixture," said Quinn.
"Their off-the-ball work-rate for each other was superb. I think they are learning from what clubs in the Premier League do to them.
"I think the result lifts Manchester City into a new, better place that they can really build on now."
Quinn highlighted the importance of Sergio Aguero's inclusion in the starting line-up after the forward was left on the bench at the Nou Camp for tactical reasons.
"He was brilliant," Quinn added. "He didn't just sit back and wait, he led by example. Off the ball he worked really well. Then when he got it, he retained it and brought others into play."
"It was a heroic, brilliant performance from him, even without the goals."
