Barca were favourites until they went to the San Siro and lost 2-0 to an AC Milan side who weren’t expected to go close in the Champions League this season.
Tito Vilanova’s side are now the underdogs to qualify for the quarter final stage of the competition, although there are several reasons to think they can make it past the Rossoneri.
1) Barcelona are still the best team in Europe
The Catalan side are eleven points clear of Atletico Madrid in the league table and a further two clear of Real, with another league title all but secured. They have several Spanish internationals that helped La Roja win Euro 2012 as well as the 2010 World Cup – we can expect them to come good when required.
2) Lionel Messi can help turn the game on its head
If there was a way of stopping Messi, it would have been discovered by now. The forward might have drawn a blank against Milan, although he should enjoy himself in the second leg against the Italian side. The 25-year-old has an incredible 46 goals for the season and the game at the San Siro was the only one of the last six where he has failed to find the net.
3) Barcelona’s home form is outstanding
Barca looked nailed-on to claim victory and it’s just a question of whether they can win by a two-goal margin or even bigger. Eleven wins from twelve home games suggest that won’t be a problem for Vilanova’s team who have scored 42 goals in those dozen encounters. An early goal will settle the nerves at the Nou Camp and put Milan on the back foot.
4) Milan aren’t actually that good
There was an element of controversy surrounding Milan’s opener in the first leg and we should remember that Mario Balotelli is cup-tied for the encounter which robs the Serie A side of their best attacking player. Away form of four wins, six draws and three defeats hints at a team that stumble on the road and they rarely keep a clean sheet.
Written by Matthew Glazier from Bettingpro.com, the number one source for sports betting tips, breaking news and expert views.
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