Things were pretty busy with 32,000 people there, and fifteen minutes before kick off there was panic in the East Stand as the beer ran out for a while!

The Post Horn gallop (live version) sounded and we knew we had 15 mins to get to our seats. Keep the Faith blasted out followed by a montage of commentary including news bulletins from last year and recordings of stuff saying we were back. It was building up nicely but then things went a bit wrong and the Sunderland music died a death, ruining the build up!

The players came out to the Post Horn Gallop again, City in blue and Barca in their change strip of creamy beige. Barca started with the likes of Ronaldhino, Saviola, Martinez and Cocu, but City certainly weren't overawed and got stuck in.

Ronaldinho showed what he could do after only ten minutes, City keeper Ian Walker denied Jar Jar from close range, with Ben Thatcher clearing the danger as Saviola closed on the rebound.

Things got interesting as Matt Elliott sent a huge header over midfield. Craig Hignett went pelting through, one on one with Cocu, and was tripped up as he got ready to shoot. Referee Alan Wiley played the rules despite it being a friendly, and Cocu was off as the City fans chanted "adios". The Barca team were up in arms and crowded round Wiley, as Matt Elliott raced across the pitch to try and calm it all down.

Ferdinand took the free kick on the edge of the box and absolutely let rip. Barca keeper Victor Valdes spectacularly parried the high powered shot.

Things came to a head again a few times. Alan Rogers, who was having a stormer of a game and getting tackles in (eh? Are we talking about the same Alan Rogers?! - Ed), hacked down Saviola and got a yellow card, having handbags with Puyol on the way. Then Tank had another scrap with Ricardo Quaresma and Thatcher showed he takes absolutely no prisoners and endeared himself to City fans quickly by showing Puyol in no uncertain terms he wasn't to be messed with! Thatcher was solid tonight after a few wobbles last week.

Micky decided not to risk Rogers and subbed him off which was shame as he was actually playing well! Howey came on for him.

5 minutes before half time Ronaldhino put through Saviola who volleyed low and hard...unstoppable classy shot that that had the whole stadium automatically nodding and applauding respectfully.

City didn't look outgunned though and Howey had a header saved off the line just before half time.

Half time saw Birch introducing loads and loads of old players as the club have started the ex players club, and guests of honour were Sep Smith (81) and Gary Lineker, who were both presented with posh bowl things.

Also on at half time was Keith Weller's brother, who tearfully read a message from Keith saying how the letters and e-mails he'd received, and his memories of his time at City, were getting him through his ordeal. You can still send Keith your best wishes via Birchy at the club.

City started the second half with new players and a new strip. They'd changed into the away strip, which grows on you more each game, and on came Curtis, Nalis, Dickov and Impey for Sinclair, Thatcher, Scowcroft and Hignett.

The changes had a really positive effect, with City looking much more attacking. Nalis was bloody superb, spraying accurate balls all over and switching play and putting people down the wing.

More fire power up front also had City comfortably in the driving seat all second half. Scimeca fired a shot put one just wide to the groans of City fans, Howey again went close with another header. Paul Dickov wellied one over the crossbar and was fuming with himself for missing such a chance, and a thundering effort from Brian Deane was blocked by the keeper.

Ronaldhino, who had put up with boos followed by applause for his corners, got a good reception when he went off after an hour, but there was no let up for City as Barca brought on the likes of Kluivert and Overmars!

City pummelled Barca at the end but couldn't nick the winner. The Barca players applauded the whole ground at the end of the game and apart froma few flare ups in the first half, the game had a been a good competitive friendly event.

City fans can come away from the game really positive and optimistic after this performance. We're still a week away from the start of the season but managed to hold our own against one of the best teams in the world who were certainly not using the game as just a run about.

The new players looked like class signings, there was lovely flowing football, and the ground is going to be full for every game. Bring it on!