Gerardo Martino talks up 'tightest' Champions League tie

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has said that his side's tie with Manchester City will be the tightest in the next round of the Champions League.

The Catalans visit City at the Etihad on Tuesday night for their first-leg encounter, with Martino suggesting that Manuel Pellegrini's side are one of the world's greatest.

"I don't think City are a mini-Barcelona or a mini any team. I think they are one of the greatest teams in the world," Martino said ahead of the game.

"They have great Spanish players like Jesus Navas and David Silva, but it is not only Spanish players. They have great players from all over the world like Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho.

"For the last six seasons Barcelona have made it to the semi-finals and the fans are used to that. It will be difficult to understand if we don't go through but it is the tightest tie of all."

The fixture has also seen Spanish defender Gerard Pique call on his teammates to prove that Barca are still as lethal as their old selves.