Manchester City v Barcelona: City are Most Fearsome Club in Europe, say Catalans

Everybody in Spain wanted to avoid Manchester City and their draw against Barcelona has been a big shock for the Spanish press, especially in Catalunya.

However they are happy about Real Madrid's and Atletico Madrid's opponents, as Los Blancos will play against Schalke and Diego Simenone's side have been draw to face Milan.

Catalan newspaper Sport claims that "Manchester City was the most fearsome opponent in the draw and therefore the fortune has not joined the Spanish giant".

However, the paper is optimistic that Barca can progress, pointing out that City still have many problems in defence and Manuel Pellegrini has a lot of doubts over his starting goalkeeper.

Mundo Deportivo, the other Catalan newspaper, says "the tie will be more similar to a final than a real last 16", as two of the best team in Europe will face each other. They are especially concerned after Manchester City's last two victories, against Bayern Munich in Germany and against Arsenal at the Etihad.

Spanish newspaper Marca adds that "Barcelona will face their bogeyman, the most feared opponent of the draw" and predict a very even tie.

AS reports that the "Barcelona-Manchester City tie was the pick of the draw" and suggests two very tough games for the Catalans, especially at the Etihad were "Manchester City are a steamroller".

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and manager Gerardo Martino have also suggested they have landed the toughest Champions League tie.

"City score many goals easily but we want to play well and win. Let's see how we both arrive to February. It is too soon to make a prediction," Martino said.

"It's a top level duel. We're both teams who attack very well and with lots of talent in midfield and attack. Also, we know people like Yaya Touré and Txiki Begiristain well," Zubizarreta added.