Why AC Milan Can Surprise Barcelona in the Next Round of Champions League

After tying Ajax 1-1, Milan sit in second place in the competitive Group H. A late penalty from Mario Balotelli ensured Milan got a deserved point in their away fixture against the Dutch side.

The next opponent for the Rossoneri are Barcelona, who lead both their Champions League group with six points and the Spanish La Liga table.

On paper, it would be common knowledge that Milan would be the massive underdogs when the two historic European sides meet on October 22nd, but recent history, and a little bit of luck, has shown that no prediction is secure in this pivotal Champions League clash.

Last season, Milan managed an incredible 2-0 win at the San Siro over the mighty Barcelona, who ended up obliterating them at the Camp Nou and going through to the next round.

That side faced Lionel Messi, who will most likely be out of the mid-October clash after suffering a recurring thigh injury which has occasionally plagued him through his illustrious career.

There's no doubting that Barca is a different side without La Pulga, and Milan are ready to take full advantage of this. 

Now, coach Massimiliano Allegri's men will need a positive display against the Blaugrana to ensure a ticket to the next round of Champions League, which would certainly lift the morale around the club.

Some of the reasons why Milan could surprise Barcelona are simple—Milan's prized asset Mario Balotelli will actually be able to play this time after he was cup-tied last season, joining from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

Balotelli has scored a goal in nearly every game he has played for the side and, at one point, his team went six months without losing a game he was involved with.

Super Mario gives Milan the unpredictability that is sorely missing from the rest of the starting group, and the world-class skill to test any defense in European football. It is this type of player that can unlock a Barcelona defense which is hardly world-class and give Milanisti the slightest glimmer of hope that miracles can happen.

For a team that was once the true world-beater in football, this downwards spiral for Milan is the main reason the fans love living in the storied past rather than focusing too much on the bleak present.

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