Joe Hart Turns Into Brick Wall, Makes 10 Saves In Man City-Barcelona (Video)

Joe Hart saved Manchester City from annihilation at the feet of Barcelona.

Hart made 10 saves Wednesday in Manchester City’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. Hart prevented a rout with a standout performance, which drew praise from all corners of the soccer world and confirmed his rise to the ranks of the elite goalkeepers.

Hart set a new benchmark for goalkeepers in this season’s Champions League.

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Many hailed Lionel Messi for playing one of the best games of his illustrious career, but the Argentinian superstar wanted to talk about Hart after the final whistle.

“He was phenomenal, he stopped everything,” Messi said, according to Sky Sports. “We have to congratulate him on a great game because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

Hart, 27, has come a long way back from the edge of the abyss over the last 18 months. Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini dropped Hart in late 2013 after a series of erratic performances. Hart eventually regained his starting spot from former backup Costel Pantilimon by the end of the 2013-14 season but he then faced fresh competition this season from new signing Willy Caballero. Hart secured Pellegrini’s enduring confidence last summer and has remained Manchester City and England’s No. 1 throughout the 2014-15 season.

Hart no longer faces constant questions about his form or mentality. Performances like the one had against Barcelona will keep them at bay, as he did to most of the Spanish giant’s efforts in front of a global audience.