MANCHESTER -- Pep Guardiola said it had been easier to play against Barcelona than Middlesbrough after Manchester City's 1-1 draw at home to Boro in the Premier League on Saturday.
Middlesbrough barely set foot inside the City half in the opening 45 minutes as the home side enjoyed 78 percent possession and created 18 chances to the visitors' none.
But they scored only once, through Sergio Aguero, and were made to pay when Middlesbrough showed more adventure after the break and scored a 91st-minute equaliser.
Guardiola said it was difficult to break down a team with 10 men behind the ball but believes City should have made more of their opportunities, with both Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne missing good chances to wrap up victory.