AC Milan: 5 Reasons They'll Win the Champions League After Beating Arsenal

AC Milan were highly impressive in the first leg of their Champions League tie with Arsenal.

The Rossoneri punished the Gunners 4-0 to effectively guarantee their place in the quarterfinals. It is the first time that Milan have reached this stage since winning the competition in 2007.

There is now a genuine excitement around the Milanello training ground, with the players actively showing a growing confidence regarding their Champions League prospects.

It is now completely realistic to expect that Milan could legitimately win the competition.

And here is why.

Allegri Is Proving to Be One of the Best Managers in Europe

Massimiliano Allegri is becoming one of the game's best managers.

He has transformed this superb Milan side in less than two seasons, after Carlo Ancelotti had left the Rossoneri in a sorry state and in need of extensive regeneration.

Allegri has earned the respect of the club's players by making big decisions and supporting them with results. Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo were discarded after not fitting into his plans.

Even players that are notorious for being difficult due to their inflated egos—such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic—have been brought around to his methods.

The Swede is an interesting case, given Allegri has brought out a new-found motivation and altered his position, as explained here.

This tactical transformation is astounding and leads me to believe that Allegri has the ability to win the head-to-head battles, tactically, against his fellow managers in this competition.

Stars Finding Form at the Right Moment, Staking Claim to Be Best in the World

AC Milan's star players are in superb form after a midseason drought only a couple of months ago.

Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have both been superb for the Rossoneri in recent weeks.

It is now debatable as to whether either of these players are the best in the world in their specific position.

Most importantly, both are providing a positive influence on the side in moments of difficulty.

In the conversation with Thiago Silva is Gerard Pique and Vincent Kompany, but the Brazilian is perhaps enjoying better form at the moment.

Ibrahimovic can be compared to strikers of a certain type who play centrally in all formations.

Such players include Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, although Zlatan's game is more chiseled than both of theirs right now.

Each side that wins the Champions League can always claim to have a couple of players who would be considered the best in the world in their positions.

Added Pace to Compensate for Ageing Legends

Massimiliano Allegri has intelligently added pace in key areas of the pitch to compensate for the older players who are still capable of contributing to the team.

Mark van Bommel requires cover around him, with the likes of Urby Emanuelson and Antonio Nocerino adding extra athleticism and pace to ease the Dutchman's workload throughout the game.

Alessandro Nesta has been given a rest from time to time this season, thanks to the emergence of Philippe Mexes after his serious injury.

But when the Azzurri legend does play, Thiago Silva is apt enough to cover his partner.

Ignazio Abate and either Djamel Mesbah or Luca Antonini provide adequate speed at either full-back position when the centre-backs decide to venture forward.

Ambrosini, Mexes and Pato Provide Great Strength in Depth

AC Milan have assembled a huge squad that can cover a significant number of injuries and suspensions.

Midfield is a key area, with Massimiliano Allegri favouring a diamond, which means that all the midfielders are capable of covering at least two of the three positions here.

Massimo Ambrosini is excellent cover for Mark van Bommel, whereas Urby Emanuelson has deputised well for numerous injured players—such as Alberto Aquilani and Kevin-Prince Boateng—and flourished.

Other squad players in the midfield—such as Sulley Muntari and Clarence Seedorf—provide superb options for Allegri to rotate the squad and keep the best players fresh for the key clashes in the Champions League.

Even Gennaro Gattuso or Mathieu Flamini could recover in the coming weeks to give the Rossoneri an extra push.

Philippe Mexes and Alessandro Nesta are two world class centre-backs who compliment another—Thiago Silva—in each match.

This will always provide Milan with a solid defence, which is essential to winning the Champions League.

Lastly, in attack, Alexandre Pato will come into contention against Robinho to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic—a nice headache for the manager to have.

Other squad players in this area include Stephan El Shaarawy, Maxi Lopez and even Pippo Inzaghi.

New-Found Belief They Can Defeat the Best in Real Madrid and Barcelona

AC Milan have the genuine belief, unlike their other rivals in Europe, that they can defeat Real Madrid and Barcelona—should they meet in the latter stages of the Champions League.

The Rossoneri performed admirably in the home defeat to Barcelona in the group stages and could have even won this game with an adventurous approach against the defending champions.

In the away leg, they displayed a contrasting approach, with defence being the priority. They claimed the score-draw that they would desire so much if they met the same opponents in a two-legged tie.

By proving they can trouble the favourites, Real Madrid would not be feared either.

In fact, Milan hold an excellent head-to-head record in recent years, with the highlight being a victory at the Bernabeu in 2009.

Their display against Arsenal is proof they are a team to be feared, and it appears that they have the ingredients to win the Champions League.

Jack Alexandros is a football analyst for Football Radar covering Serie A. You can follow him on Twitter @jackalexandros and @FRcalcioJack.