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FC Barcelona vs AC Milan: UEFA Champions League live scores, blog

Roar Guru
3rd April, 2012
FC Barcelona likely XI:

Valdes
Dani Alves, Pique, Puyol, Adriano
Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta
Sanchez, Messi, Cesc

AC Milan likely XI:

Abbiati
Abate, Nesta, Mexes, Antonini
Seedorf, Ambrosini, Nocerino
Boateng
Ibrahimovic, Robinho

Referee: Björn Kuipers (NED)
Roar Guru
3rd April, 2012
84
8876 Reads

FC Barcelona must break down a stubborn AC Milan defence if they are to reach their fifth consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-final. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4:30am AEDT.

After drawing nil all at the San Siro, Milan actually find themselves in a good position to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League tonight.

A score draw is all the Serie A giants need to progress against a Barcelona side who last week failed to penetrate a stern Milan defence.

Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi were all kept in check last week in Italy and will need to be contained again if Milan are to cause the upset and progress.

For all of their good work in defence however, Milan failed to spark in attack with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng all having quiet games last week.

The preceding trio will likely start for Milan tonight and will need to get themselves more involved than they did at the San Siro.

Milan’s attack has also received a further boost with the return of Pato, who may serve as the X-Factor tonight against Barcelona.

At the Camp Nou, however, Barcelona will come out with a point to prove following their goalless draw in Italy so expect Milan to play on the counter attack.

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Prediction:

The longer this match stays level, the better it is for Milan. Barcelona can lose their way at times when placed under pressure and this was emphasised last week in the draw at the San Siro.

After pressuring the Barcelona defence early on, Milan forced an error as Sergio Busquets produced a shocking pass deep in his own half that nearly saw Robinho score after just three minutes.

With this in mind, Milan simply has to harass Barcelona at every opportunity and they certainly possess players capable of executing such a game plan.

Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta, Antonini, Bonera, Mexes and Ambrosini were all solid last week and they will once again be charged with providing structure in defence.

Overall, Milan will look to shut up shop up the middle to avoid Xavi, Iniesta and Messi from dictating terms.

If Milan proceeds with this strategy, they will most likely give up space out wide where Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez can create havoc for Barcelona.

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In attack, Pato may be the X factor for Milan tonight, regardless of whether or not he starts the match.

The last time these teams met at the Camp Nou, Pato opened the scoring after just a few seconds as he raced passed Pique before slotting home.

With Barcelona destined to pressure high up the pitch, there will be plenty of space for Pato to weave his magic if Milan can distribute possession well on the counter attack.

With an established Milan outfit in front of them, Barcelona will have to be patient when in possession.

Thankfully for Barcelona fans, the Spanish giants are the best team at monopolising possession, particularly at home.

After having quite games last week, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi will likely cause havoc as they aim to punch holes in Milan’s stable defensive structure.

Messi in particular will be a constant danger tonight as he aims to overcome a disappointing performance at the San Siro.

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If Messi manages to find the back of the net early, the Argentine will most likely put Milan to the sword such is his record at the Camp Nou.

Although Milan will certainly provide a few nervous moments for the home side, the Camp Nou remains Barcelona’s playground so one expects the Catalan giants to progress on the back of another masterclass from Xavi, Iniesta and Messi.

Barcelona to win 3-1.

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