Milan hold sway this
time thanks to goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari Eliminated by
Barca in their last two knockout round meetings. A splendid defensive display
allied with second-half goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari
earned AC Milan a 2-0 win against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA
Champions League last-16 tie. Having faced the Azulgrana four times in the
competition last season, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri's inside knowledge
paid off as his team prevented the visitors scoring for just the second time in
any competition this term. Their resilience was rewarded with Boateng's
57th-minute opener, Muntari icing the cake late on to confirm a fourth defeat
of the campaign for the Spanish Liga leaders.
It was then that they attempted to counterattack, a
tactic which nearly paid off on the quarter-hour when a lovely touch from
Boateng sent Stephan El Shaarawy free down the left. Though the Italy forward
cut into the box, a heavy touch combined with Carles Puyol's timely intervention
spelt the end of the chance. However, the subsequent corner, cleverly delivered
low towards the near post by El Shaarawy, was turned towards goal by Boateng
but slipped just wide. Barça reassumed control yet remained frustrated by a
disciplined home defence, leaving El Shaarawy to go close to converting
Boateng's inviting cross from the right. It was, therefore, little surprise when Allegri's
charges took the lead. Riccardo Montolivo received a free-kick from 30 metres
out and though his shot struck Cristián Zapata on the edge of the area, the
ball fell perfectly for Boateng. The Ghana midfielder beat Valdés with a
precise left-footed effort to register his club's 400th European Cup goal.
Milan continued to stand strong at the back
thereafter, prompting Andrés Iniesta to try his luck with a long-range drive
which flew narrowly wide of Christian Abbiati's left-hand post. With nine
minutes left, the hosts rubber-stamped their first victory against Barcelona in
their last eight attempts. Substitute M'Baye Niang played in El Shaarawy, who
in turn showed delightful poise to tee up Muntari, whose first-time volley left
Valdés with no chance. Barcelona have work to do in the 12 March return. Buy Champions League Tickets 2013 at May Fair Global Events. May Fair Global Events is the best Football
Tickets seller for champions league events. For Champions League Final tickets
please visit or champions league final tickets links. Champions League final
match is going to be played on Saturday, 19 may 2012.
Contact
Information: CALLE ALTAMIRA,EDIFICE AYALA LOCAL,27
PUEBLO NUEVO DE GUADIARO CP.11312
Tel
No:
0871-572-6060
No comments:
Post a Comment