Barcelona vs. AC Milan: Barca Reaffirm Favorite Status in Rout of Rossoneri

Barcelona cruised to a 3-1 win over AC Milan, setting up a showdown with Chelsea or Benfica in the semifinal round of UEFA Champions League play. If there was any doubt on who the favorite should be, Barca's ability to make AC Milan look pedestrian should erase it.

This contest was just too easy for Barcelona, who are second in La Liga play with 22 wins with six draws and two losses.

AC Milan played tentatively most of the contest and had several unforced errors. Two of Barca's goals came off unnecessary fouls, and a third miscue came when AC Milan had a chance to tie the score. They missed the net on an open shot. The story of their game was too little, too late.

Lionel Messi had two goals for Barcelona, who managed 21 shots (eight on goal). AC Milan had just three.

Messi inadvertently fed Barca’s final goal, as an errant shot bounced off Milan defender Philippe Mexes. The ball crossed directly in front of Andres Iniesta and the midfielder had a clear path to the final goal of the game.

La Liga leader Real Madrid could be waiting for Barcelona in the finals. They have their second game against APOEL Nicosia tomorrow after a commanding 3-0 away win last week. Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge to host Benfica following a 1-0 away victory in the first leg of their quarterfinals matchup.

Barcelona has made the semifinals of Champions League play for five consecutive seasons. They’ve won three championships over the last seven years, winning final matchups against Arsenal in 2006 and Manchester United in 2009 and 2011.

Their ability to beat AC Milan with some sloppy play of their own should make the rest of the Champions League nervous. They have also shown they can handle Real Madrid, securing a 3-1 victory on the other team’s pitch.