Football
PA Sport 9y

Martin Demichelis: Barcelona's Luis Suarez had already proved quality

Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis said he was given a close reminder of Luis Suarez's ability after his match-winning display for Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium.

Suarez struck both goals inside the first half hour as Barcelona won the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 2-1 on Tuesday.

It was the Uruguayan's first match back in England since he left Liverpool in the summer and, while he has been overshadowed by Lionel Messi and Neymar so far at the Camp Nou, Demichelis is well aware that any of that formidable forward trio can prove deadly.

"Luis has already proved throughout his career what type of player he is and the quality he has," Demichelis said.

"Football is like that. Several days prior to the game, all the emphasis is placed on Messi and Neymar, but the one who ends up scoring two goals is Luis Suarez. Barcelona have great players and any of them can make a difference."

Demichelis' attention is now on how City can turn around the tie in the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 18.

City did reduce the deficit after Suarez's double through Sergio Aguero, although they did need an injury-time Joe Hart penalty save from Messi to prevent further damage.

City also finished the game with 10 men after Gael Clichy was sent off but Demichelis saw enough to give reason for optimism.

"Without a doubt we are confident we can turn this around," the 34-year-old said. "We will go to Barcelona to try to do our best and progress.

"We want to dominate in Europe and we will achieve that in the coming years. It would be important for us to progress to the next round. We need to take that step in the Champions League."

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