UEFA Champions League 2011: AC Milan vs. Barcelona Delivers Shock to Catalans

This is why they play the games. Barcelona welcomed AC Milan to the Camp Nou on Tuesday, assured of beating an injury-riddled team. In a shock, the two football giants split points opening Group H play in the Champions League.

I will go ahead and sit down with a nice bowl of crow. I plan to eat it slowly, as it never goes down quite well. I was among the majority of the world that believed wholeheartedly that Barcelona was destined for three points at the Camp Nou. 

My assumption was torn asunder in the opening seconds. Alexandre Pato took off with the ball down the pitch on the initial touch to start the game. 

In one fell swoop, Pato sent in the game's first goal. 

Calm Under Duress

Pato's goal would have shocked lesser sides. I know I had my jaw full agape for minutes after the stunning goal. Barcelona shook it off as if they were merely bruised, ignoring the deep cut Milan just gave them. 

For the majority of the game, Barcelona controlled the pace and possession. The Rossoneri back line proved as stingy as we thought it would be, never allowing more than a miraculous service in by Lionel Messi that was netted in, then a free kick from David Villa that was simply indefensible. 

The Catalans operated under the assumption that things were just going to work out at the Camp Nou. A spoiled squad was given the wrong message when they equalized, then went ahead. 

Marvelous Bookends

Never tell a football fan that the game is settled after the 90th minute. Milan will take the draw with a proud smile on their faces. 

The Rossoneri had three shots on goal all day, yet two of them were netted, one at the very start of the game and the other at the bitter end. 

The elder statesman, Clarence Seedorf, kicks the corner in with moments left in extra time. That is when Thiago Silva leaps above the Barca defense to quiet the Spanish giants that were supposed to waltz to three points. 

Now we are left with the same assumption, albeit with a tweak. We knew these two were guaranteed to get out of this group. However, I am unsure who will be the point winner when the group stage ends. 

This was a marvelous contest of two football giants, the kind that makes you rearrange your thinking. I am simply dumbfounded, and enjoyed every minute of it.