Pellegrini's indecisiveness sent City on the back foot

It is always dangerous to comment on a manager's tactical move in post-game situation. The What-if analysis is theoretical and will never be justified. While there is little room to argue that Aleksandar Kolarov was the worst City player on the pitch on Tuesday evening, by fielding the Serbian, Manuel Pellegrini had already significantly undermined his chance of conquering Barcelona.

Exposing the opponent's weakness is the most effective way to get the better of them. Jose Mourinho demonstrated by using border-line brutality and speedy counter-attacks to put a halt to Pep Guardiola's dominance.

Pellegrini has strong belief in his side. Being the stronger side in Manchester, facing the team that lost the fear factor and being labelled as the worst Barca for years, the Chilean wanted to take the initiative to win the match, emphasising City will attempt to deny possession of the Spanish giant and retain their attacking football.

The call that sent Pellegrini fuming

Nevertheless, this is still one of the best teams in the world and Pellegrini just has to admit it, no matter how reluctant he is. The formation was not quite the 4-4-2 that City flourishes at home this season. A more sensible 4-2-3-1 was adapted. The home team was able to recall Fernandinho to the squad, but Pellegrini did not make the most out of this luxury The home team was able to recall Fernandinho to the squad, but Pellegrini did not make the most out of this luxury to threaten the leader of La Liga.

To pick one player that is most capable of destroying Barca's defence, it is likely to be Yaya Toure. With Jesus Navas and David Silva in the lineup, Yaya restored the partnership with Fernandinho, but his activity in the final third was limited by the defensive duties, as Barcelona unsurprisingly controlled the match tempo. Javi Garcia is a natural option that could release Yaya Toure to charge forward more freely, whereas James Milner 's versatility and discipline offers a good alternative.

Kolarov was quite on top of Barca this evening

But who should give way? Silva's flair is critical in unlocking Barcelona's defence; Navas' speed is a serious weapon in counter attack; deadball specialist Kolarov can convert some precious opportunities. If one speciality was to be given up, Kolarov would be the sensible choice. When City even struggled with possession time, there was little scope for the left back to show his freekick skills, even more strangely Silva was the primary free-kick taker. Also a relatively one-dimensional player, his moves were predictable and for sure were well-studied.

His contribution could be on the defensive end to provide support to Gael Clichy. However, as Pellegrini stressed their intention to bring the game to Barcelona, he should have higher confidence in his full backs' ability to contain Jordi Alba and Dani Alves. Should Javi Garcia or James Milner was fielded, either could also provide cover to Zabaleta and Clichy with their exceptional working rate.

In the end, he could not finish the game and could only get a booking in his statistics line.

As ridiculous as it sounds, you indeed have to be near to perfect to beat Barcelona. Martin Demichelis made a mental error that put City on the back foot, but it was the hesitance or non-determination of his manager in his tactical approach that have cost City a chance. There was definitely positives to take from the loss, but it doesn't change the fact that City need three goals in Camp Nou to overturn the tie.