1 Starting Demichelis was too much of a risk

 

There was a lot of pre-match amble about the decision to include Demichelis against such an attacking Barcelona side, especially when he was going to be babysitting Messi for the match. That pre-match joking became a reality in the second half when he took down Messi in the area (debatable) and got sent off. 1-0 Barcelona and an uphill struggle for Man City.

2 But playing Silva in a more advanced midfield role was spot on

 

David Silva showed his class all night long and relished his more advanced midfield role. To be fair you can put him anywhere and he will look world-class, but against Barca he was a leading light. I mean, if Chelsea fans are even saying they would like him, then he's gotta be doing something right.

3 Kolarov and Clichy didn't click. Where was Nasri?

Pellegrini decided to start Kolarov and Clichy on the left but the combination never really worked. It's obvious he saw Dani Alves as a threat but by not starting Nasri City lacked that attacking impetus.