Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his side’s 3-1 victory over Barcelona is a step in the right direction in their quest to become one of Europe’s top clubs.

The Premier League side City went a goal down in the 21st minute with a goal by Lionel Messi strike but they eventually found their feet in the second half with a brace from Ilkay Gundogan and a 51st-minute goal by Kevin De Bruyne.

Guardiola admits that  his side still lacked the experience but insists that the results are crucial in laying down a foundation for the club’s future success.

‘If you talk about the first 30 minutes, we are not able to compete against the best teams,’ Guardiola told the Manchester City website.

‘We are three or four months into playing a different way. We try and now we won against the best team.

‘For the future generations they are going to realise, “wow, these guys are able to beat the best team”.’

Guardiola went on to praise Sergio Aguero’s performance against his former side after missing out on their previous match against Barca at the Nou Camp a fortnight ago.

‘He played awesome,’ he added.

‘It was just one game he didn’t play in Barcelona because in Camp Nou I wanted more control than here.

‘Sergio is so important. Without him, we cannot achieve our targets. I am so happy for him because he was so happy.’

Manchester City will now turn their attention back to the Premier League when they take on Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off at 17:00.