Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes Joe Hart's penalty save from Lionel Messi could prove crucial as his side look to turn around their Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The English champions trail the Catalans 2-1 from the first leg in Manchester three weeks ago, but would have been even further behind had Hart not leapt to his left to save the four-time World Player of the Year's spot-kick in stoppage time at the Etihad.

"Of course we believe we can come back," the 61-year-old Chilean said on Tuesday.

"I think Hart's penalty save was important, it gave us belief."

City's fightback in the first leg after Luis Suarez had struck twice in the first-half was curtailed when Gael Clichy was dismissed for two yellow cards.

Pellegrini's men also ended both games a man short when they were beaten 4-1 on aggregate by Barca at the same stage of the competition last season.

However, he believes they can finally show that they are more than a match for the four-time European champions if they finally keep 11 men on the field for 90 minutes.

"Last year we played with 10 men both times and in the last game, too, so I'm not complaining about sending offs, but I hope tomorrow we keep 11 men (on the field) and fight to qualify from the first minute."

City's attempt to retain the Premier League title looks a forlorn one after a shock 1-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend left them six points adrift of Chelsea, who also have a game in hand.

However, Pellegrini dismissed suggestions that his job is under threat should elimination at the Camp Nou almost certainly seal a trophyless season.

"I respect all opinions, but I don't think my job is in danger. If it was I would do the same as I am doing now, concentrate and try to play the right game tomorrow.

"After the game tomorrow we can decide if it is a failure. It will be a hard game, we will cross the other bridge when we get there."