The encounter therefore represents another important landmark in the club's continuing development and that is something Manuel Pellegrini acknowledges, although he hopes there are even bigger games to come.
Manuel Pellegrini: "It is a good test, it is important.
"I don't think it is the most important thing because we are just in the round of 16.
"We can beat Barcelona and maybe in the next round you can have a defeat.
"This club is trying to develop in all areas and so far we have a good season, but we must finish that way.
"One of our targets is to try to continue in the Champions League knowing we play against the most important club in the world."
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