Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City for beating "best team in world" Barcelona

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised his players for beating "the best team in the world" for the first time as Barcelona lost 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Lionel Messi put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute of Tuesday night's Champions League Group C fixture and looked capable of claiming another win over the Citizens.

However, a brace from Ilkay Gundogan and a Kevin De Bruyne free kick secured a comprehensive victory for the Premier League leaders.

Guardiola told BBC Sport after the game: "They had an amazing 30 minutes, we had a lot of problems but our first goal helped us a lot.

"In the second half we created a lot of counter attacks. I am so happy for the guys, it is the first time we have beaten the best team in the world."

Man City are now just two points behind Barcelona at the top of Group C.