The Grand Comeback - Barcelona vs AC Milan UCL

Most of the fotball fans across the world, before the match was almost sure that AC Milan will do the unthinkable- of knocking out the Catalan giants from Champions League. One goal and barca would be out. But what followed, over the next 90 minutes was a display of football at its highest, worlds best midfield at its  best, and the world's greatest player at his usual best.

Knowing the importance of the game, Barcelona, from the very first minute were better side and it remined till the whistle was blown. After a few close chances, at 5th minute of the game, Lionel Messi, scored an amazing goal that left entire stadium, Milan team, Abbiati and the world agape. A one touch control and and shot taken from almost no space whatsoever reached to the back of the net even before Abbiati could react and all the people watching across the globe, and specially Barca fans sensed that they were in tonight, for something very special.


Barcelona coninued their Tiki-Taka at its purest form with quick movements, change of positions and marvelous one touch passing. Xavi, back from injury in perfect time, ahead of the game, captaining the side in the absence of Capita Carles Puyol showed again exactly why he is arguably the best midfielder of his generation. With Sergio Busquets, playing one of his best games in barca shirt, Xavi completely controlled the game from start to end.



Milan had their chances with Niang coming close in the first half when a defensive error from Mascherano gave him opportunity. With Victor Valdes closing him down, Niang could only hit the post and from there after, it was only Barcelona in the game. the fortune had Favorited the brave.

At the 40th minute, Iniesta retrieved the ball from Ambrossini and passed it to Messi. Withing next few seconds  Messi had moved couple yards towards his left, took the shot and scored another cracker to give Barcelona the second crucial goal that canceled out the result of first leg. Barca headed into the half time with a 2-0 lead

Second half began and it was nothing different than  thefirst half.  10 minutes into the second half, Xavi displayed yet another moment of sheer mastery when he placed a perfect ball for Villa in the penalty box. and we all know what happens when David Villa has the ball at his feet inside the box. with a beautiful left footed curler, he blasted Barcelona's third goal past Milan giving the superiority on aggregate.

Yet Milan had the chance to advance with one goal which never came. Once Robinho was brought on, Milan again came close to scoring but a last ditch tackle by Jordi Alba ensured he couldnt score it.  Last 10 minutes proved to be too much for Barcelona fans as the tension kept rising and when milan, in the 91st minute gave away the ball in Barcelona's half, the lightening fast counter killed the match and tie. Jordi Alba, who made forward runs very few times throughout the game as barca continued to build up through an ever working Dani Alves,  seized the opportunity and made that final run. messi latched alexis sanchez and and an excellent cross from Sanchez saw Alba finishing 4th goal and the comeback for Barcelona on a historic night

MOTM - Don Andres Iniesta 

Key Points to be taken forward by Barca

• Barcelona became the first team ever to overturn the 2-0 defeat in the first leg of an European cup fixture.
• A tactical acuteness by Roura ensured only Alves made the overlapping runs and Alba stayed behind to stabilize the defense
• Lionel Messi, broke the jinx and scored two marvelous goals from open play against an Italian team
• The holy trinity of Messi-Xavi-Iniesta, just like champions league final at Wembley a couple of years back, proved decisive.
• The 6 second rule which was highly advocated by Guardiola that had been missing for sometime now was put to use perfectly that helped Barcelona in keeping a clean sheet.