Barcelona in Semi Finals of The Champions League

Barcelona Had More Stakes in the Match

Barcelona has catapulted into the semi finals because of Messi’s two penalty goals. The award of penalty was criticised by the AC Milan supporters and the coach. However, they proved to be valuable goals as Barcelona crushed AC Milan by 3-1 in the second leg quarter finals. Barcelona was under pressure in the match as the first leg of the match resulted in a tie. Barcelona had more stakes to win the second leg and enter semi finals than AC Milan.

Messi Crosses Half Century Mark in Champions League

Nou Camp witnessed excellent football on Tuesday. Messi crossed the fifty goals mark in the Champions League and his tally at the end of the match is 51. Considering Messi’s age of 24, it is no doubt an unparalleled achievement in the history of the tournament. Full marks to Messi.

Beckenbauer Was Efficient both At the Club Level and In the World Cup

Messi earns more than $40 million yearly. Messi is worth more than this. But one cannot digest the fact that such an excellent player has failed twice at the World Cup level. One can sing praise on Messi and Rooney but what have they done to their countries at the World Cup level? On the other hand players like Beckenbauer have justified their talent both at the club level and at the World Cup.

Iniesta Is an Asset to His Side

There is no denying the fact that Lionel Messi is the best player among the current players in the club level. This season alone, Messi has scored 14 goals which is another Champions League record. Iniesta’s second half goal reminded one his superlative achievement in the World Cup final in 2010 against Holland. Iniesta’s control over the ball, his passing and his swift movements are a treat to watch and an asset to his side.

Lionel Messi during 2010 FIFA Club World Cup (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Two Penalty Goals Made the Difference

Had AC Milan played carefully and not conceded those two vital penalties, they could have won the match or at least equalised. In fact Antonio Nocerino scored the equaliser and made the score 1-1 during the first half itself. But after the two penalty goals, the score read 2-1 during half time. After Iniesta scored the third goal for Barcelona, the match became one-sided. Spectator interest was lost from then on. In fact I also switched off the TV and went to sleep as it was already well past midnight in India by that time.

Ibrahimovich Did Precious Little to Justify His Selection

AC Milan coach Massimilliano Allegri is no doubt disappointed at the result and the award of the penalties and he voiced his protest at these decisions. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was in support of these penalty awards by the referee. These decisions are quite common in football and one has to digest them. Barcelona players excelled in passing and dribbling. Puyol, Messi, Iniesta, Sanchez and others coordinated well. On the other hand the AC Milan players were not upto the mark Ibrahimovich did precious little to justify his selection in the side.

Barcelona Will Enter Final

Now Barcelona enters the semi finals of the competition. No doubt they will be facing a tough challenge in the semi finals. But with Messi, Iniesta and other players in excellent form, my prediction is that Barcelona will be in the final without any difficulty. If that does not happen, I will take it with a pinch of salt.