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.
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.
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.
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.
Alan
Roar Guru
Barcelona make history as they become the first team to make five Champions League semi-finals in a row after defeating Milan 3-1. They now await either Benfica or Chelsea. After a very promising first half, Milan fell away in the second half as Iniesta scored the killer third goal to kill off the game. In the first half, Messi scored two penalties as Milan became their own worst enemies in the first half. Milan however did very well to score an away goal as Nocerino equalised thanks to a great pass from Ibrahimovic. Milan I felt were on top when it was 1-1 but as soon as Barcelona hit the lead, Milan did fall away. Barcelona however have dodged a bullet in this very difficult tie and will need to improve in defence if they are to beat the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Milan can take a lot from this tie and had they taken their chances in the first leg, they could have very well secured their place in the semi-finals tonight. Thanks for joining us for this live blog and we look forward to your company next time on The Roar. FULLTIME: Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Milan haven't shown enough in the second half here after producing a fine first half. Thiago is fouled by Nocerino and he gets the yellow card. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Messi's freekick goes over the bar but this match is all but over now... Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Messi now toying with Milan's defence here as Mexes fouls the Argentine. Messi has been quite in the second half but he has an assist and two goals next to his name. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Puyol clears for Barcelona as Milan win the throw. This has been a dissapointing second half from both teams here but Barcelona did get the all important third goal and it broke Milan's back. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' Milan finally build pressure here in attack as Valdes is forced to come off his line to deny Ibrahimovic. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE - Now Adriano misses a one on one with Abbiati has he misses the near post. Bad effort from the Brazilian but it won't cost Barcelona dearly here. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE - Alves with a great cross nearly finds Messi. Abbiati however intercepts the cross and Milan are off the hook. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Mascherano wit two great challenges and Barcelona are able to clear. Messi then goes on a long run but he is eventually stopped by Ambrosini. Barcelona look to have secured their place in the semi-finals here. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - After a very entertaining start, this match has really lost its mojo here. Barcelona nearly ignite something though as Cuenca's cross is dealted with by Abbiati. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
SUB - Pato after coming on has already been substituted for Maxi Lopez. Pato looks to have re-injured himself here. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Valdes clears now for Barcelona and both teams are just going through the motions here at the moment. Milan not doing much to claw back this lead. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Mexes with another foul and Milan are running out of time to make a game of this. Barcelona yet again just keep possession as they wind down the clock. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Nocerino's cross is cleared by Mascherano. Thiago is then fouled soon after and Barcelona get easy passage out of their own half here. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Ambrosini with a bad ball and it goes out for a goal kick. Milan have to go for broke now and commit players forward at will because they really look dorment at the moment. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - This match has really lost its intensity here. Milan look forlorn now as Barcelona just eat up the clock with possession. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
SUB - Fabregas makes way for Keita and Barcelona now look to consolidate this lead with Keita's introduction. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Ineista is fouled and Barcelona win the freekick. Milan starting to get frustrated here as they search for that second goal which will bring the game to life yet again. Barcelona 3 Milan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE - Pato nearly finds himself on the end of a great long ball but Valdes regathers possession just in time. Barcelona 3 Milan 1