When the team returned to Manchester from Madrid, their opponent in the Champions League semifinals had been decided.
As everyone had expected, it was Barcelona.
Although Barcelona had been held to a goalless draw away in the first leg, they had ultimately defeated their opponents 3–1 at home with two goals from Messi, smoothly advancing to the semifinals.
That meant Man City and Barcelona would meet in the semifinals.
This was unquestionably the most anticipated and compelling clash in the Champions League so far this season.
Man City was hailed as the team with the strongest Barcelona tradition. Whether it was their squad, their head coach's style, or even the club's management, everything carried a strong Barcelona flavor. Even Barcelona's godfather, Cruyff, had said that Man City played the most authentic Barcelona football, while Barcelona itself was more of a hybrid.
On one hand, this showed his dissatisfaction with Mourinho's coaching. At the same time, it was also an acknowledgment of Guardiola.
There had even been rumors that Barcelona's management wanted to bring Guardiola in to coach the team and replace Mourinho, but those plans were ultimately abandoned when Guardiola renewed his contract.
Now, Guardiola would lead this team with the purest Barcelona bloodline to Camp Nou. For fans around the world, it was a highly anticipated and classic showdown.
Besides that, both teams were exceptionally strong.
Barcelona had Messi at the helm. He had practically carried Barcelona into the semifinals by himself.
Other star players such as Iniesta, Xavi, and Yaya Touré were also household names among football fans worldwide. That was why Barcelona had reached the Champions League final repeatedly over the past few years.
They had reached the final three times. Although they had won only one title, Barcelona's strength was plain to see.
Man City was