Can City channel their inner Barcelona?

City have a mammoth challenge ahead of them. After a first-half blitz saw them 3-0 down with just 31 minutes on the clock, Pep Guardiola's side looked all but dead and buried at Anfield. 

In last year's edition of the Champions League, the world witnessed Barcelona accomplish an even greater feat than the one City find themselves needing to pull off. PSG ran riot at the Parc des Princes and stunned the Catalans 4-0 in the first-leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Barca knew they'd need something special to overturn that thrashing and they stepped out onto the pitch at the Camp Nou with a determined attitude. In what is now an iconic Champions League clash, Barca miraculously won the second-leg 6-1 and progressed 6-5 on aggregate. 

Here's what City need to do if they are to emulate Barcelona's resurrection:

- Score early - 

Barcelona came out all guns blazing against the Parisians who were rumbled almost immediately after the whistle blew. After just three minutes, Luis Suarez got the ball rolling for his side when he found the net. PSG, suddenly destabilised, didn't know what had hit them. 

City will know that if they want to ignite a comeback, they'll need to strike quickly and gather momentum - something they're more than capable of doing given the speed of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling down the flanks. 

- Be patient - 

Barcelona's next goal didn't come until just before half-time, and the other four all came in the second period. Being too hasty will see City punished by Liverpool's rapid and lethal attacking trident of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Pep's tactics will have to be on point to strike a perfect balance between attacking and defending. 

- A solo masterclass -

Despite Lionel Messi being the poster boy after the game, Neymar was the real star on that fabled night at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian clipped in a sensational free-kick, coolly netted a penalty, and came up with a stunning assist for Sergi Roberto's last-gasp winner. It goes without saying that, without Neymar's inspired performance, the outcome would've been very different for Barcelona. 

All eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad. He's shown on countless occasions this season that he can turn water into wine and make chances when nothing's on. Will the Belgian be able to perform on Europe's biggest stage?

- Don't concede - 

Barcelona made it hard for themselves in last year's round-of-16 tie. When Edinson 'the Matador' Cavani struck in the 62nd minute, they found themselves tasked with needing three goals in 30 minutes.

City will be well aware that, should Liverpool find the net, they'll need to score five to advance to the semi-finals. Nevertheless, they've already shown that's not impossible this season. City trounced Liverpool 5-0 at the Etihad earlier this season - and now they just might have to do it again.