Champions League: Barcelona blame pitch conditions for Milan shock

Below-par performance also instrumental in defeat, says Roura.

MILAN: Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura hit out at the state of the pitch after his side was left staring at an early Champions League exit following a shock 2-0 reverse to AC Milan on Wednesday.

Ghanaians Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari scored one apiece in a lively second half as the hosts, impressive defensively throughout, stunned the Catalans in their last 16, first-leg, at the San Siro.

Roura, standing in for Tito Vilanova, admitted the Blaugrana had simply not done enough. But he also claimed the pitch was unfit for such a big tie.

“It’s bad to lose 2-0 but we’re convinced that when we’ll be playing at home in front of our own fans on a pitch that is fit for this competition, we will overcome this setback,” said Roura.

For Massimiliano Allegri the win – Milan’s first over Barca in the competition since 2000 – was more than welcome.

The Rossoneri coach was lucky to avoid the sack after a disastrous start to the Serie A season, but has overseen a significant improvement since then.

“It’s a great and deserved win for us,” said Allegri. “We worked hard as a club to prepare for this match and the lads did a great job.”

Galatasaray rue Schalke draw

Meanwhile, Galatasaray midfielder Nordin Amrabat has admitted the ambitious Turkish team face an uphill task to stay in the Champions League after their 1-1 draw at home to Schalke in the last 16, first-leg.

“The formula for victory is very simple: we need to score and win, but it won’t be easy,” said Amrabat.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2013.