Clash Of The European Titans
If there's one thing we can be assured of in tonight's Champions League tie, between FC Barcelona and A.C. Milan,is attacking football. Two goals down going into the second leg would have many teams panicking. But when that team is Barca playing at the Camp Nou, the word panick seizes to exist.
,After a string of bad results in recent weeks , Barca will be lookin to return to winning ways. Not just winning anyhow,but regaining that swagger and air of calmness and arrogance that's been synonymous with the Catalans ever since Pep Guadiola took over. Milan surprised many with an impressive performance in the first leg. Bullying Barca by not allowing them time or space to to penetrate or create any real threatening chance, that limited Barca to no more than 2 shots on target all game. Barca lacked any real imagination in the final tie, and one was left thinking Barca are in need of a Plan B. The 4-3-3 system has worked so well for Barca ever since Peps reign that many claimed that a Plan B isn't required because Plan A was just too damn good. But if this past season is anything to go by, teams are beginning to find a way of limiting Barcas dominance.
Milan and then Serie A have for many years been the 'Old Age Home' of football, but with a complete overhaul in the last two seasons Milan seem have finally built a squad that centers around the energy and enthusiasm of younger players, coupled with the maturity and guidance of the old guard.
Stephen El Shaarawy has definitely been Milan's stand out player this season, often single handedly sparing Milan's on numerous occasions this season. In tonight's game Milan are goin to need a almost perfect performance from not only El Shaarawy, but every player out there on the park. Im expecting a sold out Camp Nou for this crucial tie, because the Blaugrana faithful realise the importance of tonight's clash. Messi will of course be the man tasked with leading Barca's dominance tonight, but personally I think the likes of Xavi and Busquests are going to play a pivotal role in how this match ends up. Being well below par for weeks now, the men in the middle are going to need to be back at their best. David Villa is another player who could have an influence in this game and I'm expecting Roura to start him up front with Messi, and Iniesta dropping back into his preferred midfield position where he can pull the strings.
Tonight's game has all the ingredients of a memorable Champions League tie, and i hope the ref allows for a free flowing and attacking spectacle, where ultimately the only winner will be the football on display.
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