Match Preview: Wednesday 26/04/2006 20:45 (GMT+2): Champions League 2nd Leg

AC Milan – FC Barcelona
Camp Nou, Barcelona – capacity: 99.000


Referee: Markus Merk (German)


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Váldes – Belletti, Puyol, Marquez, Gio – Van Bommel, Edmilson, Iniesta, - Giuly , Eto'o, Ronaldinho – Manager: Frank Rijkaard




Ac Milan: Dida - Cafu, Kaladze, Nesta, Serginho - Gatusso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka - Shevchenko, Inzaghi - Manager: Carlo Ancelotti



Barca take a 1-0 advantage into Wednesday's second leg of their encounter with Milan at the Nou Camp and are strong favourites to reach the final. Ludovic Giuly's goal in the first leg at the San Siro separates the sides going into the return fixture but the tie is far from over. Barcelona has midfielder Deco back from suspension and striker Henrik Larsson available again after injury. Oleguer Presas will miss the match due to injury and suspension.

Milan travelled without Ambrosini to Barcelona. Doubtful are Shevchenko, Kaka and Nesta. While Shevchenko and Kaka are expected to start the match, Nesta´s injury seems to be severe and he might miss the match.


The situation is quite clear. Milan has to win at Camp Nou and has to score at least 1 goal to go into extra-time or minimum 2 goals to proceed to the final. Barca will not sit back and defend. they will try, has usual to play their posession game and control the match. Barca will try to use the open spaces that Milan will leave due to the fact they have to go forward to score and try to blow a leathal strike.
We should see a great game with some exyciting action tonight.

Europe´s No.1 in UEFA ranking (Milan) meets No. 2 Barcelona. A clash worth a final.


Our Prediction:
Many reasons and statistics play for Barca to proceed to the final in Paris. Considering, Barca has not lost in European football at home since 3 years and Milan´s poor record away from home this year, should be a good enough advantage. Barca coach Rijkaard will send his side out to win the game rather than to sit on their first-leg advantage. Barca played a great Champions League campaign, dominating any opponent and it would be unfair, if the best team so far would not reach the final. Barca has a 1-0 advantage and is full of confidence. There is no doubt that Barca will give this advantage out of their hands but we will see some exciting moments because we do not expect Milan to give up. But at the end Barca will win.

FC Barcelona 2 - Milan 1

Visca el Barca. Arsenal, see you in the final!