All eyes will be on the world’s best footballer Lionel Messi when Barcelona take on Italian giants AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 clash tonight. PHOTO: AFP
The veracity of AC Milan’s resurgence in Italy’s Serie A is set to be put to the test when Barcelona visit the San Siro tonight for the first leg of a last 16 tie in the Champions League.
After their worst ever start to a league campaign the Rossoneri have climbed to third place and within touching distance of securing one of the three Champions League places for next year.
However their survival in this year’s competition could depend on a strong showing in Milan ahead of a return to the formidable surroundings of the Nou Camp on March 12.
Although billed, by Milan, as a match between ‘the best of the world’ – Milan are seven-time European champions while Barcelona, four-time winners, are widely considered the strongest team in the world – the Spanish league leaders have the bragging rights.
The last time the two sides met, in last season’s competition, Barcelona came away from the San Siro with a scoreless draw in the first leg of the quarter-final, before winning 3-1 at home to secure a semi-final spot.
Since the recent acquisition of striker Mario Balotelli, AC Milan have continued making up for their disastrous start to sit third in the league, 11 points behind leaders Juventus.
But because he played in this season’s competition with Manchester City, Balotelli is Cup-tied for the remaining Champions League fixtures.
That paves the way for the likes of Bojan Krkic, formerly of Barcelona, to step up for a game that will have special emotional significance as well as being a crucial step in Milan’s roller-coaster season.
“It is a different game, a special game for me but I don’t want to think too much about what feelings I have inside, I just want to concentrate on the game and on the 90 minutes of football that awaits us,” said Bojan.
“I have never played against Barcelona before and for that very reason this is more than just a game for me but all I want to do is help the team.”
Gala ready to unleash Drogba, Sneijder in Europe
Meanwhile, Galatasaray will be fired up by the arrival of Didier Drogba, last year’s Champions League hero, and Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder when they host struggling Schalke 04 tonight.
“When he is fit, Drogba has the ability both to keep the ball for us up front and to lead the team,” said Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim.
“When you also add Sneijder to that, we will perform much better. Both have integrated with the team very quickly.”
Schalke have been boosted by star striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s recovery from an eye injury.
“I feel 100 per cent again and am ready to play,” said the Dutch forward. “I had no problems in training and am ready for Istanbul.”
Bojan Krkic
“It is a different game, a special game for me but I don’t want to think too much about what feelings I have inside, I just want to concentrate on the game and on the 90 minutes of football that awaits us.”
Cesc Fabregas
“I think the tie against Milan will be very exciting and tough for us. They have a great history, especially in the Champions League, great players, great fans, and it will be a very difficult one.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2013.
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