Milan 2-0 Barcelona: Boateng and Muntari sink favourites Barca

Milan produced a good display to see off the challenge of a surprisingly lethargic-looking Barcelona in Champions’ League last-16 first leg at San Siro, with Boateng and Muntari getting their names on the scoresheet. This is the first Milan win over Barcelona since 2004.

Boateng netted the opener in the 56th minute rifling the low volley past Valdes from the edge of the Barca box after the ball had broken to him from Montolivo’s free-kick. Muntari doubled Milan’s lead with an excellent volley into the corner of the net after a clever pass from El Shaarawy in the 81st minute, to put Milan in control of their last-16 tie.

Allegri undoubtedly deserves credit for tactical ploys that allowed his team overcoming mighty opponents. He stuck to the same tactics that was used by Chelsea and Celtic – the only two teams that managed to secure the victory over the mighty Blaugrana in their last 25 games in Champions’ League – narrow back four rarely stretched beyond the width of their area and effectively denied Barca’s silky attackers. A tight midfield trio consisting from Ambrosini, Montolivo and Muntari patrolled ahead of the back line, providing the second layer of protection. Montolivo produced a man-of-the-match display, breaking up the waves of Barca’s attacks and creating several decent chances.