Date: February 20, 2013
Kick off: 7:45 PM UTC
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano
Barcelona and AC Milan are a couple of the biggest clubs in Europe, but when it comes to the two facing off in the last 16 of the Champions League, there will be one clear favorite.
Barcelona have unfinished business after the manner in which they crashed out of the Champions League last season, with Lionel Messi of all people missing the crucial penalty.
Barcelona are boosted by the return of playmaker Xavi, who has recovered from a hamstring problem. However, Adriano (thigh), Eric Abidal and David Villa (both illness) have not made the trip to Italy.
Barcelona have won eight of their last 11 away matches in the Champions League and are targeting a sixth straight quarter-final appearance. Lionel Messi has scored 56 goals in the Champions League, level with Ruud van Nistelrooy and behind only Raul.
AC Milan are on a seven-game unbeaten run in Serie A and have won their last six matches at San Siro in all competitions. Milan are in rebuilding mode, and will not even have the services of Mario Balotelli, who is cup-tied. This Barca team is arguably the greatest ever in the club game, and many will say the dynasty needs at least another European title to be certain.
AC Milan will assess forward Stephan El Shaarawy (knee) ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona. Mario Balotelli is cup-tied and Nigel de Jong is sidelined with an ankle injury, but Giampaolo Pazzini (hamstring) is available.
AC Milan probable lineups: Abbiati, Abate, Zapata, Mexes, De Sciglio, Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino, Boateng, Pazzini, El Shaarawy.
FC Barcelona probable lineups: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas, Pedro, Messi, Iniesta
You are invited to watch AC Milan vs. FC Barcelona Champions League 2013 Live here.
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