GOALSCORERS Kevin De Bruyne and IIkay Gundogan hailed Manchester City's second-half showing as they came from behind to beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan scored twice, sandwiching a brilliant free-kick from De Bruyne, as City roared back after conceding the opener to Lionel Messi. A thoroughly-deserved win was the perfect response for City after they suffered a thumping 4-0 Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp a fortnight ago.
"It was a big game for us," De Bruyne said.
"We knew we were under pressure. The beginning was difficult, but I think the second-half was very good. I think we deserved it."
Gundogan added: "We started a bit nervous, but after our [first] goal which was really good we won the confidence back and the second-half was incredible. We dominated Barca in the second-half. It was not so much about the tactics, I think it was more about the mentality, winning the one-on-ones. It was an incredible night for everyone."
On his free-kick, which gave City the lead in the 51st minute, De Bruyne admitted he benefited from an error from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen: "I think the keeper was too much in the middle," the Belgian said.
