Milan planned their strategy well. Wait for Barcelona, defend well & when given the chance attack to fish up front. They managed to put in place their ideas very well tonight neutralizing Messi & company to just passing & without being able to penetrate close to the goal. It was Milan that had the early chances with Boateng & El Shaarawy almost putting Milan in front.
Naturally after 40 - 50 minutes with the same situation one gets frustrated & some Barça players got nervous & played less. More inaccurate passing, ball losses & fouls began appearing in the Barça scheme of play.
From a free-kick in the 56th min came a drive from Milan midfielder Monteolivo that hit the wall & the ball fell to Boateng who scored pass Victor Valdes. It was a hand-ball & the goal should not have been given but the referee did not see it & gave it as good.
This forced Barcelona to attack more & thus leave spaces open in the defence. Barça put Alexis on for Cesc Fabregas to find a way to crack open the Milan defence but found a solid wall.
Then in the 80th min a defensive lapse by Barcelona allowed Muntari alone in the area who fired in the second goal for the Italians. It was all rush for Barça there after in order to find the away goal at least, but failed in their efforts. The Italians are masters of blocking out the opponent & withstanding the result in their favour, & they did.
Big night for Milan who deserve the win for their persistence & discipline which cancelled out all the Barcelona efforts. Milan is currently in the box seat, but Barcelona at home will be dangerous & wanting to fix tonight's slip & pride hurting loss.
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