A convincing win over AC Milan

A convincing win over AC Milan put Barcelona in the semi finals of the Champions League last night after winning 3-1 at the Nou Camp. It looks like the semi finals will be Barca-Chelsea and Real Madrid-Bayern if all goes well. It doesn’t get much exciting than that, does it? Chelsea would be out for revenge and that sets up a great semi final.

Yes, FC Barcelona managed to get through to the semifinals of the Champions League with a great win against AC Milan (3-1). Barca left no options open to the Rossoneri, whose goal had given them hope at 1-1 but in the end could not do anything about the Barca goal machine who had the semi finals in their sight.

Leo Messi scored twice from the penalty spot, and Andres Iniesta made sure of Barca’s ticket to the fifth consecutive semifinal in the Champions League which is quite an achievement for Pep Guardiola and his “Blaugranas”.

The 0-0 draw in Milan left everything open, and the Nou Camp ruled in favor of Barcelona, who fought when needed and created the chances to deal the final blow to Milan.

Barca knew what was at stake and went offensive very quickly to try to outwit the italian side. Chances came quickly and on eleven minutes Messi put the home side on the score sheet from the penalty spot after being brought down in the area. The goal for Milan didn’t break Barca’s resolve as they stood their ground and slowly got edged the ball upfield.

The Catalans were in control of the ball but relaxed a little, and there were echos of a tie just like the the group stage. AC Milan in their first real attempt on goal, levelled the scoreboard and had Barcelona for a few minutes up against the wall.

‘Ibra’ controlled the ball on the edge of the area and laid it off for Nocerino coming in from the right.

The second Barca goal was also from the penalty spot – this time for grabbing that was much disputed by the ‘Rossoneri’. As in the San Siro, and in the previous three games between them this season, Barca had the ball, moved it about as they wished and had their scoring moments.The first half ended with a lively Milan as the 0 – 0 of the first leg was never going to be any good for either team, especially Barca.

After the break, Barca advanced up the field and put in place a system of three defenders to populate the midfield and the wings. With Dani Alves playing out of his boots, this helped provide a difference of two goals to give the home side some peace of mind.

When Aquilani and Pato came on, Milan sought to charge their attack but Barca got another courtesy of Iniesta to make it 3-1. There were no clear chances for AC Milan as Barca played much better with just two up front now.

The third goal, the work of Iniesta, came after a serious warning from a Xavi free-kick which certified that the Catalans were not going to draw this tie.

In the end, the duel ended 3-1 and the Catalan giants await their next rival in their fifth Champions League semi final in a row.