AC Milan Draws Barcelona to Remain Atop of Group H

With strikers Zlatan Ibrhamovic and Robinho out of the lineup due to injury, AC Milan still found a way to compete against current Champions League titleholders, FC Barcelona. 

Just 24 seconds into the match, Alexandre Pato slid the ball past goalkeeper Victor Valdes to open the scoring 1-0 for the Italian squad. It was the fifth fastest goal in Champions League history, which then allowed Milan to play defensively until they found open space for the Brazilian to utilize on the counterattack. 

Despite the momentum going Milan's way, a majority of the first half was played in their end as Barcelona pressured and continuously looked for an equalizer. In the 35th minute, Barcelona's hard work would finally pay off as Lionel Messi flicked the ball past defenders Alessandro Nesta and Ignazio Abate to find an unmarked Pedro and tie the game before half time.

As the second half opened, Barcelona looked to carry the momentum with them as they looked to be in regular form. In the opening minutes, David Villa would find the net with an unstoppable free kick from 25 yards out to put Barcelona in front 2-1.The reigning world champions would then take control of the match as they settled down, and maintained possession.

Barcelona were predictably dominant throughout that point, however they lacked penetration, as Milan's defense continued to play intelligently and composed. 

During stoppage time, it looked as if Barcelona would walk away with the victory comfortably, until Milan defender Thiago Silva blasted a header to assure anything but a victory for the Catalan club. The match would end in a 2-2 draw. 

The tie holds both Milan and Barcelona safely nestled atop of Group H, as both teams will resume action on September 28 which will see Milan host Viktoria Plzen and Barcelona travel to Belarus to meet Bate Borisov.