Barcelona VS AC Milan: Key Points for Both Teams

Well, we have seen teams formulating plans to counter and break down the Barca Tiki-Taka style of play, From Chelsea to Celtic, and now AC Milan. What is the difference between the Milan side Barca played previously to the one they are facing today and how can Barcelona, yes I say this, manage to do no team has yet done in European competition: overturn a 2-0 deficit from away leg.

 

I am going to bullet down some points where I think Barcelona need to change. And then I will get down to AC Milan as to what in my opinion they have to do knock out the best team in Europe.  

1-      No over-reliance on Lionel Messi 

He is the best player on the planet, hands down, no discussion, and when you have someone like him in the team, there is bound to be some over reliance, and in Barcelona’s case this season, that over-reliance has reached a new height. With the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez and David Villa being average to poor this season the responsibility of scoring goals has been on the shoulders of Lionel Messi.

The manager needs to get his arms around the shoulder of the rest of forwards at his disposal and buck them up, do something to get them firing because just like against Real Madrid and AC Milan in the previous leg, Messi will be marked very carefully and tightly, and Barca may have to look at someone else to provide a spark. On the other hand, Messi would be raring to go to remove the tag of choker from his side and beware as I sense a demolishing job on from Lionel Messi.

 

2-      Win the midfield

Break up attacks, press up high, and dictate play. It may sound awfully familiar to how Barcelona play but teams have now countered that by sitting deep, letting them have possession and when the chance comes, tackle hard, win the ball, and initiate a counter-attack. No one can exactly predict what the starting lineup for this one might be, but who so ever is playing in that midfield needs to provide thrust and attacking impetus rather than just keeping the ball for the sake of possession. 

   3-      Full-Backs

This is where I think Barcelona having a chance to crack Milan down. Both the full backs Dani Alves and Jordi Alba enjoyed decent possession and got into some good positions to provide a useful cross or to stretch the opposition. But uncharacteristically, both were off their attacking color and did not manage to get anything in to the box. They need to pick up their game if they want Barca to continue in this competition.

      

   4-     Tactical Changes (Possibly a Plan ‘B’)

When will Barcelona change their style of play? Possibly never, but they might have to. David Villa is one who can actually temper their style a little bit by providing a touch of muscularity to the front line. Alex Song was probably brought in to provide some directness to Barcelona but the reluctance of Barca to test out a Plan ‘B’ has left him short of game-time and thus, out of form. Maybe, just like Modric, he has to produce here, provided he is given the chance.

Now, let us talk about AC Milan. It is simple for them, either to go Men behind ball, and defend for their lives or go and catch Barcelona napping at the start indicating their intent and showing Barcelona no fear. Maybe total defense is the way to go, may be mix is the best way to go, but if Milan get one goal, Barca need to then score four.

  

1-     Score a Goal!

That is why this is what AC Milan should be looking to do. For sure, Barcelona is not going to get four against a rejuvenated, in –form Milan side, so, if Milan score a goal the agg. Becomes 3-0 with an away goal which means Barcelona has to score 4 to win. Is’nt that an incentive for Milan to play attacking football?

2-     Use Center Forwards! 

Stephan El-sharaawy and M’baye Niang has to be the most threatening young pair upfront in Europe. These youngsters have shown some impeccable talent, brilliant composure and a will to work hard for the team. Two future stars who can really make a strong statement today if they get something, even a decent performance upfront. AC Milan depends upon how they play up-front. Futhermore, an important game for Pazzini as well if he plays, his career at the rosonerri depends upon what he does here.

   3-     Coping with the Barca Full-backs

Although Milan allowed a lot of time and space to Barcelona Full-backs at home, they cannot afford to do that at the Camp Nou. One good ball in to the box and in Alba’s case a decent run into the area can cut open Milan and a goal would become a definite inevitability. Track those runs, and deny them opportunities. A hard working day for Constant and Abate awaits but Muntari and Montilivo have to help them as well.

4-      Massimo Ambrosini

Whether AC Milan can keep a clean sheet depends upon the performance of their veteran. The only veteran midfielder remaining in the side now with the likes of Gattuso and Seedorf moving on, he needs to rally his troops and make them believe that nothing is impossible.

It is going to be a cracker, nerve-jangling, nail-biting encounter. Can Barcelona break down a bus that Milan will park or will Milan go to the Camp Nou and take the game to Barcelona. It is going to be brilliant and we here at offthepitch cannot wait for it to start. We love Football!