Barcelona vs AC Milan: Disappointing Draw Puts Heavy Pressure on Barca

Barcelona didn't lose the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan, but they did lose the advantage.

The 0-0 tie leaves the reigning UEFA Champions in a curious position. They now cannot draw with AC Milan in the second leg of their series or it will be the Rossoneri moving on—not the Catalan giants.

Barca dominated for much of the contest with 65-percent of the possession in their favor and three times the amount of shots as their opponent (18 to six) but they only put three of those attempts on net.

AC Milan put just as many attempts on net and actually should've put one home.

Now all the pressure falls onto Barca as they return to Camp Nou. With no away goals at their back, they'll have to put on one of the scintillating performances we are used to seeing from them just to survive and keep moving forward to defend their crown.

Messi's quest for a 50th goal in competition now directly coincides with his club's success.

The Argentine superstar has been on fire and virtually unstoppable at every turn.

The most important thing for the Rossoneri in the next contest is to continue to play their game—they cannot afford to go into the second leg trying not to lose.

If they do, Barca will make them pay early and could put an end to their dreams quickly.

But they're not the team under pressure; that honor rides squarely on the shoulders of Messi and Barcelona. They return home for a match they have to win. There is no aggregate goal lead and there is no chance for a tie.

If Barcelona wants to defend their crown and be the best, they'll have to do it the only fashion way: winning.