Match Preview: Barcelona vs AC Milan

The San Siro stadium will be the venue for the match between seven-time Champions League winners Milan, and four-time winners FC Barcelona. Tonight’s match is expected to be a one-sided affair, as Milan are without the likes of Ibrahimovic, Pato and Thiago Silva, who were all sold by the club. Barcelona are on the verge of winning their 22nd Spanish league title under their new manager, Tito Vilanova, and their performances in the Champions League have been brilliant as well.

In the 2012 Champions League quarterfinals, Barca thrashed Milan and qualified for the semi finals 3-1 on aggregate. Controversial striker Mario Balotelli, who has been an instant hit at Milan, scoring 4 goals from 3 matches, will not play as he has represented Manchester City in the Champions League and is cup-tied. It’s a shame as he won’t be playing head-to-head with the world’s best player, Lionel Messi.

After Milan won the 1994 Champions League by beating Barca 4-0, they haven’t been in superb form against the Blaugrana. After that spectacular game, Milan and Barca have encountered 10 times, out of which Milan have managed to win only once, Barca have got 6 wins, and 3 matches have ended in a draw.

Even though Milan is considered by critics as a weak team who will get knocked out by Barca, the Rossoneri can prove them wrong. Ahead of the clash, Puyol warned his teammates of the dangers AC Milan possess:

“Even though they went through a lot of changes this summer, they are a good team. AC Milan are on form and we have to respect them, especially because they are a historic side.”

- Carles Puyol

Milan will unleash Stephen El Sharaawy, Pazzini and Boateng upfront to launch attacks on Barca. Former Barca striker Bojan Krikic will face his old side in the Milan jersey, which will be one of the highlights of the match. Philippe Mexes has returned after serving a one-game European ban. Allegri firmly believes and keeps his trust on Christian Abiatti, who is 35 years old. Abate, Zapata, and Mexes can shut down the Barca attackers if they focus on the game and track every movement, and put a stop to it. Milan also have got a decent roster in midfield, with Euro 2012 Italian midfielder Montolivo, Nocerino, Ambrosini and Constant.

Allegri’s side also have to keep in mind that they have to utilise most of their chances and take advantage of the set pieces. If they get trapped in Barca’s possession game, there’s no way they can bring the ball forward and score from close range, and the only option viable to them will be to receive the ball and score through long-range shots. As usual, four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi will be most important target for the Milan defenders. Milan can ensure a win at their home stadium only if they can provide a strong defence to stop Messi and co.

Coming to Barcelona, they will be influenced by the return of playmaker and veteran midfielder Xavi, who has recovered from a hamstring. However, Adriano and David Villa have not made the trip to Italy because of illness. No doubt, Barca will stick to their natural tiki-taka style of play, and will definitely be looking to submerge the Milan defence with their movements. In defence, Pique and Puyol can provide a combination of rock-solid defending. Alves and Alba will pace through the right and left flanks and provide crosses into the box. In the midfield, Sergio Busquets will act as an invisible midfielder keeping the balance of the game under control. Xavi and Fabregas, the counter attack conductors, will provide fine through balls and long range passes to the feet of the attackers.

Messi has scored 56 goals in the Champions League, and is level with Ruud van Nistelrooy, but still behind Spanish legend and Al Sadd midfielder, Raul Gonzalez (71 goals).

Probable starting line-ups

AC Milan (4-3-1-2) - Abbiati, Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Constant, Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino, Boateng, Pazzini, El Shaarawy

Barcelona (4-3-3) - Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas, Pedro, Messi, Iniesta

Match Venue: San Siro

Predicted score: Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan