Two of Europe’s most decorated clubs will go head to head in a much anticipated tie at the Camp Nou, as Barcelona take on AC Milan in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
The Rossoneri side recorded a shock victory over the Blaugrana side, defeating them 2-0 at the San Siro courtesy of goals from Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari. Barcelona who were favourites to win the competition, are now on the verge of being knocked out in the second round of the tournament for only the first time in the six five years. Their last five campaigns in the Champions League have been very successful, and have resulted with either the Catalans making it to the semi-finals or with them winning Europe’s most prestigious trophy.
The two giants have met 16 times in the last 53 years, with the first match between the two being played back in the 1959/1960 season, in a Round of 16 tie. Barcelona have an advantage over their counterparts in this fixture, having won six times, Milan on the other hand recorded their fifth victory over the Catalans in the first leg of the round of 16 this season, whereas five of the matches between the two sides have resulted in a draw.
Barcelona have scored 22 times against the Italian side, whereas Milan are just one behind with 21 goals against the Catalans.
The two sides have met only once in a Champions League final which took place back in 1993/1994, when the Rossoneri side ran rout defeating Barcelona 4-0. Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola was part of the side which took a thumping from Milan, the team also included Brazilian legend Romario. As for Milan they were not short of legends either and consisted of French midfield legend Marcel Desailly, amidst the side was also one of Milan’s longest serving players Paolo Maldini. Daniele Massaro scored a brace for the Rossoneri side in the first half, with second half goals from Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly sealing an emphatic victory for the Italian side over a dream team led by one of footballs most accomplished managers Johan Cruyff.
The two sides have met 11 times since the turn of the millennium, with five of these played at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. Let’s throw light into the most recent encounters between the two football giants, played at Barcelona’s fortress the Camp Nou.
Champions League 2000/2001 Preliminary Group stages
Barcelona 0-2 AC Milan
The first of these matches took place in the 2000/2001 Champions League group stages when a star studded Barcelona side comprising of the likes of Frank de Boer, Rivaldo, Simão, and Patrick Kluivert, was denied by a brilliant Milan side. Francesco Coco scored in the 45th minute for the Rossoneri side, with
German international Oliver Bierhoff adding another in the 71st minute to wrap up an important victory for the Italian side.
Champions League 2004/2005 Group stages
Barcelona 2-1 AC Milan
A last minute wonder strike from Brazilian maestro Roanldinho, saw the Catalan side edge past their counter parts in a 2-1 victory. The account was opened up by Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko, who scored in the 17th minute before Samuel Eto levelled the score at 1-1 scoring in the 37th minute. Many of Barcelona’s current superstars were also part of the winning side including the likes of Victor Valdes, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carlos Puyol.
Champions League 2005/2006 Semi-Final
Barcelona 0-0 AC Milan
Barcelona booked their place in the 2005/2006 Champions League victory after a goal less second leg, the Catalan side earned an important away goal with Ludovic Giuly scoring the only goal in the reverse fixture played at San Siro.
Even though the match ended without a goal, it was one filled with action and with passion. Then Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard promised his fans attacking football despite the one goal lead, and he rightfully delivered it with some brilliant attacking display from the side. However the Catalans were not that efficient in front of the goal with Samuel Eto and Juliano Belletti being two players guilty of missing glorious chances.
Barcelona were lucky to escape the match unharmed when an Andriy Shevchenko goal was controversially disallowed, and Barcelona marched on to become European Champions that year defeating Arsenal in the final.
Champions League 2011/2012 Group stages
Barcelona 2-2 AC Milan
An injury time header from Thiago Silva denied Barcelona of a victory as the match ended 2-2 at the Camp Nou. The visitors did not take much time to open up the scoring account, when Brazilian international Alexander Pato made a bursting run into the Barcelona box and struck past Victor Valdes with only 25 seconds on the clock. However Barcelona restored order with goals from Pedro and a wonderful free kick from David Villa earning the lead for the Catalans. With two minutes remaining on the clock, Thiago Silva pounded on a Clarence Seedorf corner to send the visiting fans into raptures.
Champions League 2011/2012 Quarter-finals
Barcelona 3-1 AC Milan
The two sides met again that year, this time in the Quarter Finals of the 2011/2012 Champions League, with the first leg at San Siro ending in a 0-0 draw, the two sides had everything to play for. Barcelona star Lionel Messi however had other plans and inspired his side to a 3-1 victory over Milan, in a match he scored two and assisted the third goal as Barcelona won the match 3-1.
Messi scored the first goal of the night scoring from the spot and earning his side an advantage over their counterparts, however Milan soon struck through Antonio Nocerino who steered in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s pass into the net making it 1-1, with Milan leading courtesy of an away goal.
However Barca were impeccable from then onwards and goals from Messi and Iniesta ensured the Catalans a qualification to the semi final.
Champions League 2012/2013 Round of 16
Barcelona (?) AC Milan (?)
Barcelona have a mountain to climb in the second leg of the round of 16, being in a two goal deficit. Barcelona will have to score three goals against Massimiliano Allegri's men and will have to stop Milan from scoring any. If Milan however do manage to score even one, Barcelona will have to reply with four goals in order to earn a qualification to the next round.
The Milan defence is expected to take full advantage of their two goal cushion and is likely to sit deep allowing Barcelona to keep possession without causing any harm. With the pace of Kevin Prince Boateng and Stephen El Shaarawy, Barcelona have to be vary of Milan’s counter attacking threat. It is important that the Catalans do not get too caught up in their attacking play and fail to abide their defensive duties.
The fixture has provided great entertainment in the past and tomorrow’s encounter between the two sides is expected to be no less than a thriller.
So will the Catalans pounce back with revenge and advance to the next round? Or will the Rossonerri side cause an upset by knocking the Spanish giants out of the tournament?
