Barca draw gives us strength - Allegri
PA Photos
Massimiliano Allegri was pleased with AC Milan's performance against Barcelona
Massimiliano Allegri thinks Milan can take great heart from their solid performance against Champions League holders Barcelona ahead of their second leg showdown next week.
Milan came under significant pressure at times from Barca, but came away with a clean sheet that could prove vital in the return leg at Camp Nou.
It could have been an even better evening's work for Milan, had Robinho or Zlatan Ibrahimovic taken two excellent chances early in the game.
But Milan travel to Spain next week with renewed belief that they can edge past Barcelona and set up a final four clash with either Benfica or Chelsea.
''At times we played very well and in the first half used up a lot of energy,'' Allegri said on Sky Sport Italia. ''We defended in a very organised fashion. We must be happy with the result, especially as we have two out of three results open to us in the second leg.
''Barcelona have scored in almost all their games, so I must compliment my lads for doing so well. It will be very tough in Spain, but this result gives us strength. 'When Leo Messi went deep, Massimo Ambrosini went to mark him. We've got to do better on set plays and high balls into the box, though.''
Allegri removed Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alessandro Nesta and Robinho in the latter stages of the game with the trio returning from injury.
''I had to make three substitutions due to physical problems," he added. "Hopefully some can start to recover for the second leg and others can find better form.''
Luca Antonini, who made some vital blocks to prevent Barcelona scoring, thinks Milan have a chance to make the semi-finals as long as they retain the same spirit in the second leg.
''We had clear chances, allowing Barcelona something, but we played a good game,'' he added. ''I think we could've done a bit more in attack and especially in the first half we created the opportunities, but it's very tough with them. In any case, we are happy with what we did tonight.
''I always watched Barcelona's stars on television and play them on video games, but Milan proved they can hold out against them.
''We will play with the same spirit in the second leg in Barcelona. We have to repeat this performance next week and are convinced of our qualities. Plus some of our players will return from injury.''
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While I enjoy reading the excellent banter that one gets with MSN allowing us the ability to express ourselves on frippery matters, when it comes to the real issues such as the **** up made by Maude re stocking up on fuel prior to a possible tanker drivers's strike, suddenly we are denied our European Convention of Human Rights on freedom of expression by MSN. Thumbs up if you agree. By the way the last time I posted this comment, the thumbs up nos. almost went off the scale; well into 3 figures.
Sadly I doubt if MSN will take any notice of the post, just like when many posters pointed out the error in the footie article when MSN said and Everton beat Everton. You couldn't make it up.
Two historically great teams & still with many great players. I was very disappointed. I hope that mascherano doesn't play in next leg (most guilty. why/how does he get in this Barca team ?) & others are allowed to express themselves & play.
Crazy fox I can understand some people being easily entertained.
It was almost as embarrassing as the crap served up by Chelsea and Spurs last saturday but that was no surprise.
Suppose I am spolit by watching 'fusbol magico' every other week at The Emirates and have much higher standards than your average football supporter.
but Hey Ho you enjoy it !!
The cream of Europe'. Has there ever been a worse televised game ???
just proves the Italians and spanish are cheating, diving, scheming, play acting ****.
how many times did the commentator, Clive Tiddlycock have to say they beat Arsenal. don't remember him saying it actually looked like a football pitch instead of a ploughed field when Arsenal tried to play there.
I think all the players should be drug tested for producing such a pathetic display.
Even Messi looked like an average spurs player. Can't wait for the 2nd leg !!!!!!
