Gerardo Martino: 'Possession will be key'

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino believes that possession will be key in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Manchester City.

The Spanish champions travel to the Etihad Stadium this evening in arguably the tie of the round, with Martino reiterating the importance of controlling the tempo of the match.

"Having possession of the ball will elevate Barca and at the same time, reduce City," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Whoever sees less of the ball will suffer most. You cannot prioritize [the game over a goal]. We need to have possession of the ball as that will elevate us and go against City.

"After doing that, then we can think about trying to grab a goal."

City and Barcelona have never met in a competitive fixture.