OMNISPORT

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany insisted the Premier League champions do not fear Barcelona as the two teams prepare to face each other in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie.

City renew hostilities with Barca at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, having bowed out to the Spanish giants 4-1 on aggregate at the same stage of the tournament last season.

Manuel Pellegrini's City, however, head into the match on the back of two resounding league victories - a 4-1 win at Stoke City and a 5-0 drubbing of Newcastle United.

Barca suffered a shock 1-0 loss at home to Malaga in La Liga on Saturday but the Catalans still pose a significant threat with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at Luis Enrique's disposal.

Kompany, though, said City's defenders have no reason to worry.

"The next game is a massive one now and it's one of those - if you have a good day it can be a special night," Kompany said.

"So we have to prepare and I think everyone is ready for it. We don't fear them. You don't go in at this level fearing strikers.

"We want to play against them. It's the fourth time in a year now. There's nothing new to worry us, it's a case of having the whole team at a very high level."