Xavi: 'Manchester City surprised us in first leg'

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has admitted that he was surprised by Manchester City's approach in the first leg of their Champions League clash last month.

Barca won 2-0 at the Etihad on February 18 thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Dani Alves.

Xavi told the Daily Mail: "We were expecting they would want to have more of the ball. The way they set up surprised us a little too. They weren't defensive but they were sitting back.

"Manuel Pellegrini's teams normally want the ball and to take the game to the opposition. He normally likes to play football, open up the game down the wings and press high up the pitch. In a way, this time they did neither.

"They have players for a style more like Barcelona so it was a bit of a surprise."

The second leg at Camp Nou will be played on March 12.