UEFA Champions League: Why AC Milan Will Suffer Against FC Barcelona

The UEFA Champions League, the best club tournament in the world, starts tomorrow with what is sure to be a vibrant game. FC Barcelona and AC Milan will face each other at the Camp Nou but what should we expect? Barcelona must go for the victory, and it is my belief that they will achieve it.

Might as well start with the most important update for this match. Ibrahimovic's confirmed absence makes things much harder for the Italian side. The Rossoneri will have to rely on a new partnership consisting of Cassano and Pato to trouble the Blaugrana defense. Both are talented players, but their communication skills are primordial in order to make appropriate decisions. Another important absence will be Robinho, whose pace and dribbling skills will allow Alves to venture up front.

Allegri's stance towards this match is unknown and so it has become the biggest question mark. They should probably be looking to parry all of Barcelona's attacks and it is my belief that they will make use of fouls and interruptions to cut attacks. When with the ball, Milan shouldn't just clear the ball and hope that Cassano or Pato spark a miracle. Their midfield is strong but also has lots of distribution talent with which scoring options can come from.

Barcelona doesn't need to change anything from their 4—3—3 formation, and it's almost sure that Guardiola is over that 2—2 tie this weekend. Guardiola's only indication must be to remind his players to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes. 

Alexis Sanchez' absence is the only disadvantage that Barcelona might have. If the Spanish giants find themselves below on the scoreboard, they will miss Sanchez, but the odds are that this won't happen. Barcelona has proved that it is able to adapt to many formations as long as their tiki-taka style endures. With attacking mids like Fabregas, Alcantara, or defending ones like Keita in the bench Barcelona can control this game.

These points make Barcelona a clear favorite, but AC Milan is a fierce opponent and having one of the best back—lines in the world will make this a great clash.

Finally a prediction: Barcelona 2 Milan 1 

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