The MiBs took an unexpected lead through Di Maria against an off-colour Farcelona side – but “let me see you just slide with me”, said Bentancur to the defender as he stretched low to prod home a scruffy equaliser on the rebound. It didn’t exactly rouse Pep’s side into a better performance but they did benefit from a handball decision which allowed Paredes to bury a penalty for the win. With six games to go, Guardiola’s side now lead the league by 10 points.

By Sydney Grabmuppet