Camp Nou will be home to a fascinating contest this week as the flair of Barcelona will look to over-come the two goal deficit it suffered at the San Siro earlier, with the resilience of AC Milan trying its best to prevent this.
While many were surprised at the result of the previous fixture when these two sides met in the first leg, more surprises might await us when the two European giants meet again soon. The most absorbing part of this match will be the clash between attack and defence, as progression to the next round means a lot to both the competitors.
Modern day strategic planning before a match often involves sketching up key one-to-one battles on the football fields. The side with the greatest success in these battles usually ends up on the winning side. Here, we take a look at some of these battles that both managers might have shed light upon in the pre-match preparation.
Mexes vs Messi
This is one battle that every football fan in the world will have his/her eyes upon. It can be safely assumed that anyone who requires an introduction to the maestro Lionel Messi probably doesn’t know a thing about modern football. Barcelona are currently under the weight of a two goal deficit, and Messi is its go-to man to lead the attack.
His accomplishments are unknown to none, his skills have baffled one and all.
However Messi’s record has not been very impressive against Italian team, and in his nine matches against Italian counterparts the only three goals he has scored are through penalties and Messi will certainly be looking forward to better his record tonight.
In his track is the hurdle of Mexes who, with Cristian Zapatta, makes Milan’s most common centre-back pairing in Europe.
Both these defenders can be expected to leave no stone unturned when it comes to nullifying the magician’s spell. But will Messi demonstrate a new bag of tricks that night? Only time will tell.
Ambrosini vs Fabregas
The midfield battle between these two might end up becoming the most absorbing contest in the field, and the victor here may ultimately decide the overall outcome.
Ambrosini will have his work cut out. After leading the Catalans by two goals to nil, he will make sure to obstruct Fabregas’ creativity in the centre of the park, frustrating Barcelona and making them impatient in their game-play.
Fabregas on the other hand can be expected to toil hard all night to find that killer pass, maybe even two, that will bring his team back in the contest. The Spanish midfielder also has the ability to contribute towards the score line with a goal here and there, and his overall performance in the match might be crucial for Barcelona’s European fate this season.
Fabregas has had some very fond memories playing against AC Milan, when back in 2008 he scored a memorable goal for Arsenal against the Rossoneri to guide his team into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League. Fabregas will be looking to put forward a similar display to guarantee his side a qualification in the next round.
Pique vs Pazzini
Although we have excessively discussed Milan’s defensive credentials so far, we should also remind ourselves that a goal from Milan can prove to be a knockout punch for Barcelona, unless of course it is one of those crazy nights of football.
Gerard Pique will be alert at the back to stop Pazzini from being too adventurous, though with an attacking frame of mind, he might end up leaving a gap or two in the defence at some point of time. Pazzini can take advantage of such an opportunity by scoring a goal and putting the tie well beyond the reach of the Catalans.
Alves vs El Shaarawy
Over the years, the Brazilian right back of Barcelona has built a strong reputation of being one of the most flamboyant wingers when it comes to launching attacks. He couples this with an impressive defensive work ethic and in all becomes a product that any team in the world will boast to have.
However, in the form of El Shaarawy, he faces an opponent who himself has gained an above average reputation when it comes to destroying defences of opposing team.
The 20 year old has contributed a goal and two assists in his last four games for Milan, and will be looking forward to add to his tally in the upcoming match. He knows very well that a strong performance against the gigantic Barcelona can propel him high up in his career, and Alves should be well aware of this fact for his team’s sake.
Alves should thus put a very responsible display and provide support to the Barcelona forwards from time to time, but should also be attentive to his defensive duties.
Montolivo vs Busquets
Both these defensive midfielders will literally be in the centre of things when the two teams take the field. Montolivo has one of the highest number of tackles per game in the Milan side, so he will be looking to do what he is always expected to do in Milan colours.
Busquets, on the other hand, knows that an away goal can turn out to be lethal for Barcelona, hence all his concentration will encircle around diminishing every single Milan attack that arises. He may also be needed for a favour or two upfront, as not scoring will be equally catastrophic for Barcelona’s interests.
