Barcelona vs. AC Milan: 5 Thoughts After the Second Leg Champions League Match

In a night that ended in disaster for Milan, Barcelona showcased to the world that they're still the force to be reckoned with in Europe. A 4-0 romp ensured Barça a lead on aggregate (4-2) which will send them on to the next round.

Milan on the other hand, showed their vast inexperience and youth, having a hard time stringing together more than two passes while facing a team that was far superior both technically and tactically.

Let's move on to five thoughts about this classic second leg Champions League affair.

Barcelona Were Hungrier

Barcelona set the tone right from the start with a frenetic energy that caught Milan off-guard.

They were a whirling dervish of speed, tranquility in possession, and relentless pressing. 

The possession was more than 70% in the home side's favor, and they set the tone from the opening whistle as Milan really seemed out of their element.

Apart from a few Rossoneri counters, it was one way traffic all night.

Milan's Inexperience Showed

M'Baye Niang recently turned 18-years-old, and Stephan El Shaarawy has never really played in a game of this magnitude in his young career. 

Milan's two young strikers looked nervous on the ball from the start, as M'Baye Niang hit the post after slipping through a rather jittery Barcelona defense.

Meanwhile, the first touch of Il Faraone left a lot to be desired, as the normally fluid player was clearly having one of the worst games of his young career.

El Shaarawy was a shadow of his domestic self this season. Despite currently undergoing a dry spell in front of goal, the Italian striker let the occasion get to him. Fortunately, it'll be a learning experience as well as an invaluable lesson for him.

Lionel Messi Broke His Italian Curse

Before this match, Lionel Messi had only scored three goals (all penalties) in 10 matches against Italian sides.

He was anonymous against Milan in the first leg, just like he had been against them in the past years.

On this night, however, the four time Ballon d'Or winner played like the Messi we're used to seeing, scoring a sensational brace and giving Milan a torrid time at the back.

The strategy that coach Max Allegri used in the first leg to not allow any Messi touches in the box failed dramatically this time around, as an unrecognizable Milan gifted the opposition possession with poor touches and botched clearances.

Allegri's Tactics Backfire

At first, a 4-3-3 formation seemed like a good idea to give Barcelona fits on the counter.

Now, Massimiliano Allegri is reeling after deciding to go with a three pronged attack when the team rarely got out of its own half.

Not only was the team as a whole complacent, but Kevin Prince Boateng seemed to drift around the formation awkwardly, not really filling a false 9 position, but rather interchanging with M'Baye Niang before going back to the midfield.

The Better Team Won

At the end of the day, the better team won.

Barcelona's recent slip of form was quelled as the Blaugrana players put in one of the best performances of the year with their backs against the wall.

So here's a congratulatory note from me to a team that was an uncontrollable tornado today. Relentless in their pursuit, unforgiving, and ultimately devastating.

After all of his recent personal troubles, this victory is the perfect present for their beloved leader Tito Vilanova.