Champions League: Barcelona v AC Milan as it happened

Live text commentary as Barcelona thrash AC Milan, while Galatasaray knock out Schalke in the Champions League.

12 March 2013 Last updated at 23:37

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As it happened

  1. 2233: 

    The biscuit tin in front of me is empty which must mean it's time to wave you all goodbye and head to the shops to restock for Wednesday evening. Can Arsenal produce what would be one of the great comebacks? Arsene Wenger and his troops will attempt to overcome a 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League while Malaga take on Porto. There's FA Cup action, too, as Blackburn host Millwall in the sixth round. Thank you for your tweets and texts. Until tomorrow.


    Adnan: "I fail to understand why anyone would presume that Messi wouldn't rise to the occasion. Greatest ever."

    Barry Booth: "This result tonight makes the 2 games that Celtic played against Barca all the more special! To run them so close away too."

    nadine: "Barcelona are doing what Barca do best. Nothing else needs to be said."

  3. 2224: 

    AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini: "We were not up to the task tonight. We did not want to concede an early goal and that's exactly what happened. We hope this match will teach us a lesson for the future because we want to return to this competition next season and now we have to focus on our domestic league to do so."


    Nigel Man: "People should stop saying Ashley Cole is the best left back-Jordi Alba was awesome tonight."

    Hishaam Habib: "Hopefully this year the Champions League winner will be a team that plays attractive attacking football, unlike last year."

    Tom Bradstreet: "If you criticise the coach when things go south, you have to applaud him when things perk up. Well done Jordi Roura."

  5. 2221: 

    Barcelona forward David Villa: "The fans were always behind us. They always trusted us. They knew we could do it and, in the end, we did it for them. When you go through a night like this all of the bad days are forgotten. After experiencing what we did tonight we don't care who we get in the quarter-finals."

  6. 2220: 

    There's more. There's always more. Lionel Messi's two-strikes against Milan were his 16th brace in the Champions League and his second goal was Barcelona's 100th in the knock-out stages of this fabulous tournament. Barca are the first club to reach triple figures.

  7. 2218: 

    So, what's left to say about Lionel Messi? Out of sorts in the San Siro but on song at the Nou Camp. The Argentine scored his 57th and 58th Champions League goals, overtaking Ruud van Nistelrooy in second place on the top scorers list. He's still some way behind Raul (71).

  8. 2213: 

    Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder: "We definitely deserved it. We made a lot of mistakes in the second half and dropped back and they made it difficult. We wanted to go for the third, but we didn't do it and they kept pushing. I think Schalke played well but with all the team spirit [we had] it's a deserved victory."

  9. 2211: 

    As easy as it is to write reams of superlatives about Barcelona's performances we should, of course, mention Galatasaray who become the first team in Champions League history to reach the quarter-finals despite losing the first two group matches without scoring.


    Marcus Sheldrick: "Teams learned to deal with Barca's tikataka football and when Messi doesn't show up they struggle. He turned up tonight though."

    Ade-Adedeji Adeyera: "AC Milan: Hapless. Toothless. Completely out of sort. Haven't seen such a man-down showing since Arsenal's 8-2 loss to United."

    D Johns: "What a performance by Barca tonight. Messi unplayable as always but Jordi Alba the LB was outstanding. Nice goal as well."


    Ronnie in Kirkcaldy on text via 81111: "Another great victory for entertaining, attacking football. Football as it should be played. Thank goodness for Barca... Truly mes que un club."

    JR on text via 81111: "As a fan of English football, the shear brilliance of Barca tonight illustrates the enormity of Chelsea's performance last year."

  12. 2207: 

    Finally to League Two. Leaders Gillingham were held 0-0 at Exeter while Port Vale were beaten 2-0 at Bristol Rovers. Burton Albion move up to second after recovering from a fourth minute Aldershot goal to win 2-1 at the EBB Stadium. At the bottom, Plymouth eked out a goalless draw with Bradford while Accrington were beaten 3-0 at home by Fleetwood.

  13. 2203: 

    Further down the Football League, Swindon and Tranmere miss the chance to move into the automatic promotion places after defeats. Brentford came back from behind to beat Swindon 2-1, while Rovers were well-beaten in a 2-0 loss at Walsall.

  14. 2200: 

    If you thought it was exciting at the Nou Camp then that was nothing. Erm. Cardiff snatch a late, late 1-1 draw against Leicester to move four points clear at the top thanks to Rudy Gestede's injury time equaliser. Barnsley move out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Brighton thanks, partly, to a late penalty save from Luke Steele and Peterborough slip to the bottom despite a 1-1 draw at Leeds.


    Sean Sonnekus: "So, if Barca can do it... So can Arsenal!"

    Nathan: "Well done to Galatasaray! Great performance, not often you see a Turkish team in the QF of the CL! Happy for Didier!"

    Ricky Lee Everett: "Gifted! Not the Barca performance, but the 4-0 score line. Milan handed them the win, an absolutely woeful performance tonight."

  16. 2158: 

    Barcelona defender Gerard Pique on ITV 1: "We believed from the first minute. We played a great game. To score early it helped a lot and the atmosphere was amazing. They knew we needed them and it was a great connection with the players and the fans. We were better from the start and we got what we needed."


    jack coy: "The football fan in me loves that fourth goal by Jordi Alba but the betting man that had money on 3-0 #barca is not so pleased."

    Roddy Cons: "Thought the Italians were supposed the masters of defending?"

    andy warner: "I'm gonna stick my neck out and say El Classico champions league final."

  18. 2154: 

    That 4-0 defeat equals AC Milan's biggest loss in all European competitions (excluding the European Super Cup) and if the statisticians among you aren't already salivating after such talk then I have more in the bag.


    Faisal Ali: "Jordi Alba has to be the MoM, brilliant at both ends of the pitch and doesn't seem to tire! Best LB in the world."

    Kebabmon: "Is Robinho the most over-rated player ever?"

    Kofi Tawiah Quansah: "Dear Wenger I hope u r watching. That is how to overturn a 2 goal deficit."

  20. 2147: 
    Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan

    So, that's how you create history. Get the best player in the world to score two remarkable goals before the break and ruthlessly turn the screw in the second half. The Catalans made overturning a two-goal deficit look easy. It was, at times, as if they were playing white-shirted ghosts.

    Barca celebrate
  21. 2143: 
    FULL-TIME- Schalke 04 2-3 Galatasaray

    As if Fatih Terim needed a reason to celebrate wildly. The Galatasaray coach is engulfed by his staff after Bulut's strike and is currently blowing kisses towards the visiting fans. Ah, the Champions League. Beautiful.

  22. 2141: 
    GOAL- Schalke 04 2-3 Galatasaray - Umut Bulut (90+5 mins)

    Galatasaray snatch a winner five minutes into injury time. With Schalke pushing for a winner, the Turkish side break quickly and substitute Umut Bulut beats the offside trap before beating goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand at the second attempt.

  23. 2141: 

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "Why oh why did we ever doubt them? Nerves were jangling as Milan surged forward in the final stages, but the fourth goal unleashed a torrent of emotion around a jubilant Nou Camp. They were simply magnificent tonight and fully deserve to progress over the two legs. Barcelona in demise? Ha!"

  24. 2139: 
    Schalke 04 2-2 Galatasaray

    Five minutes of extra time over in Germany and if the scores remains as it is then it's Galatasaray who go through thanks to their two away goals. Coach Fatih Terim finding it difficult to control his emotions on the sidelines. The Turkish side are about to reach the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2001.

  25. 2136: 
    FULL-TIME- Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan

    It's as if it was never in doubt. Barcelona are through to the Champions League quarter-finals and they've done it with panache.

  26. 2133: 
    GOAL- Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan - Jordi Alba (90+2 mins)

    Swift counter-attacking from Barcelona. Robinho is caught in the middle of the pitch. Lionel Messi finds Alexis Sanchez and Jordi Alba, dashing down the left, expertly controls a cross-field ball, before placing it underneath Christian Abbiati. Game over.

    Jordi Alba
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Three minutes have been added to the 90. Robinho takes a quick free-kick when he should have put it into the box.

  28. 2131: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    The home fans' nerves are calmed a little as their team earn a corner. The four-time champions are in no rush and patiently take their positions. It comes to nothing, but that's a few seconds wasted. One minute of the 90 minute remaining. Masimiliano Allegri is chewing his fingernails and who can blame him.

  29. 2129: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Lionel Messi makes a trademark slalom-like run through the middle but Milan snuff out the danger, calmly gather the ball and work their way towards Victor Valdes in the Barca goal. Stephan El Shaarawy, looking menacing in the six-yard box, and the ball comes his way - but the flag goes up for offside. Deafening whistles reverberate around the Nou Camp. Two minutes to go.

  30. 2127: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Whistles and jeers from the Barca faithful as the visitors enter enemy territory. It's the Italians who are enjoying the majority of the possession with five minutes remaining. Barcelona unable to get into the other half of the field.

  31. 2124: 
    SUBSTITUTION- Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Players making an entrance, others departing the stage. Adriano comes onto the field for Pedro Rodriguez. A big hug between the pair. A few minutes before that former Barca favourite Bojan Krkic replaced Mathieu Flamini.

  32. 2123: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Robinho gathers the ball in the middle of the pitch and finds Stephen El Shaarawy on the right who passes back to the Brazilian. The former Manchester City forward attempts a one-tow - it looks promising for the Italians - but Barcelona hold strong. Milan attack again... Robinho has another chance, but his effort, from six yards, is blocked by Jordi Alba. Phew.

  33. 2122: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "One notable element of Barcelona's performance tonight has been the ferocity of their pressing to win the ball back on the few occasions they lose it. That aspect of their game has become a little loose in recent weeks, but is back at its best today. Milan just haven't been able to live with the hosts' intensity, with and without the ball."

  34. 2120: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Just over 10 minutes remaining at the Nou Camp and Barcelona are searching for that killer blow - a fourth goal. AC Milan still merely need the one away goal. By the way, Carles Puyol has replaced Javier Mascherano.

  35. 2117: 

    Leeds look a different side in the second half and Sam Byram has equalised against relegation strugglers Peterborough to make it 1-1. Across Yorkshire, in Barnsley, Jose Ulloa pulled a goal back for Brighton - but Chris Dagnall scored from the penalty spot to put Barnsley 2-1 ahead. Big news at the top of the table as leaders Cardiff trail Leicester through Michael Keane's effort.

  36. 2115: 
    SUBSTITUTION- Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    There's a change to the Barca line-up. High five from Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta for goalscorer David Villa before he leaves the pitch to the standing ovation. Alexis Sanchez replaces the Spaniard.


    Mich on text via 81111: "Personally I think AC Milan have been bad rather than Barcelona being good. Even their simple passes are going astray."


    Mike Hudson: "AC Milan have become passengers in this game. It's a wonder that Barcelona ever went down 0-2 to what is clearly a weaker side."

  39. 2114: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Massimiliano Allegri, arms crossed, has left his seat and is standing on the sidelines. All he sees, though, is Barcelona spraying the ball around the pitch. Christian Zapata eventually concedes a free-kick on the edge of the box after a foul on Lionel Messi. Stand by.

  40. 2109: 
    GOAL- Schalke 04 2-2 Galatasaray - Michel Bastos (63 mins)

    An error from Fernando Muslera and the Galatasaray goalkeeper is severely punished. Atsuto Uchida pounces on the keeper's fumble and calmly finds Michel Bastos, who hits the roof of the net from six yards.

  41. 2108: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    How can AC Milan engineer an equaliser when they are barely able to keep hold of the ball? I'm not sure it's possible. Although Ignazio Abate flashes a decent cross from the right wing, but there isn't a Milan player inside the box.

  42. 2105: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "That third goal has been enormously well received by Barca fans - and not just because it puts them in front. All season they've been crying out for David Villa to be given more playing time, with the consistent response from the club being that he needed time to recover from his serious injury and would become more prominent in the latter stages of the season - director of football Andoni Zubizarreta described him as "our January signing." Seems to have worked out well enough..."

  43. 2105: 
    Schalke 04 1-2 Galatasaray

    Oof! Almost an equaliser for Schalke 04 as Teemu Pukki turns quickly on the edge of the box and fires in a low shot that Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera claws away at his near post. The German side have upped the tempo but they have to be wary of the dangerous Burak Yilmaz on the break.

  44. 2103: 
    SUBSTITUTION- Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri decides it's time to shuffle the pack so opts for the attacking talents of Robinho and Sulley Muntari in place of Massimo Ambrosini and M'Baye Niang.

  45. 2101: 
    Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

    Clinical, ruthless, cold-blooded, call it what you like, but Barcelona are 30 minutes or so away from creating history by becoming the first team to overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit without the aid of an away goal.


    Rishi Verma: "Villa's goal summed up everything about Barca: precision passing; working hard to win the ball back; clinical finishing."

    Nigel Quelch: "Suicidal tactics from Milan, they're wide open and are being torn to shreds."

    Kuntal Majumdar: "Xavi's dream of a remontada is complete. Milan should have seen Chelsea's tapes before coming here."

  47. 2056: 
    GOAL- Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan - David Villa (55 mins)

    Over to you AC Milan. Xavi finds David Villa lurking on the right of goal and the Spaniard's curling effort whizzes beyond Christian Abbiati. He slides towards the corner flag and celebrates with a manic roar. Wowzers.

  48. 2055: 
    KICK-OFF- Schalke 04 1-2 Galatasaray

    The second half is under way at the Veltins-Arena and Schalke must score twice if they are to reach the quarter-finals. Substitute Christian Fuchs aims high and wide as the home team attack from the off.

  49. 2052: 
    Barcelona 2-0 AC Milan

    Massimo Ambrosini deems the only way to stop Lionel Messi in full flight is to trip the forward. The home faithful hiss at the sight of the Argentine tumbling to the floor because of foul play. Needless to say, Messi doesn't take too long to get back on his feet and cause more havoc, this time down the right flank.

  50. 2049: 
    Barcelona 2-0 AC Milan

    Lionel Messi skips beyond Philippe Mexes as if the AC Milan defender was a ghost. The Milan defence then push the Argentine wide of the goal and his low hopeful strike is comfortably caught by Christian Abbiati.


    FEMI JOHN ATOYEBI: "Would be interesting if #ACMilan score in the next 45 minutes...this is far from over!"

    Elisha-Wigwe: "Just 1 Milan goal. And Messi's 2 goals become history. Enthralling stuff here!!!"

  52. 2046: 
    KICK-OFF- Barcelona 2-0 AC Milan

    Here we go again. What has the second half in store? Lionel Messi is on the pitch so anything could happen.

  53. 2045: 

    There's been no Messi-like moments to talk of in Cardiff. It's 0-0 between the league leaders and Leicester, a team which has won one of their last eight games. Dwight Gayle's 16th minute strike has given Peterborough a half-time lead at Leeds while fellow strugglers Barnsley are also 1-0 ahead at home to Brighton.


    Kuntal Majumdar: "Had RDM been Milan's coach tonight, I'm sure Milan wud have gone thru, from 2-0 down at HT."

    Chimezie Nzebuka:‏ "Barca need to pull back!!! Its 2-2 now, don't take many risks, just be patient the chances will come."

    Ronil Kumar: "Chelsea were also 2-0 down at Camp Nou last season and they came back and drew 2-2. This isn't over for Milan."

  55. 2041: 

    Swindon Town will climb into the automatic promotion places if they can hang onto their 1-0 lead at Brentford thanks to Simon Ferry's 32nd minute drive. Fourth-placed Tranmere are being held at Walsall while Yeovil are 2-0 up at home to Crawley.

  56. 2039: 

    You'd be forgiven if you'd forgotten all about this evening's League Two shenanigans. Leaders Gillingham are being held to a goalless draw at Exeter but could still extend their advantage at the top as second-placed Port Vale are losing 2-0 at Bristol Rovers after a double from Ryan Brunt. Robbie Weir equalised just before half-time for third-placed Burton Albion at Aldershot, while Northampton are goalless with Morecambe. Accrington are losing 1-0 and will go bottom if Plymouth hang onto a draw with Bradford.


    Aykan Sunar: "Know everyone talks about Messi but mate, Burak Yilmaz what a striker he is!! Wish Tottenham would have signed him!"

  58. 2035: 
    HALF-TIME- Schalke 04 1-2 Galatasaray

    A toot of Jonas Eriksson's whistle signals half-time at the Veltins-Arena and Schalke must come up with a cunning plan during the break, one which sees them score twice in the next 45 minutes.

  59. 2034: 

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "Careful now, Barca fans. There has been a euphoric atmosphere inside the Nou Camp since that second goal, almost as though the tie is already won. In fact there's a long way to go and, as Niang's shot against the post showed, it would only take a moment to wreck all Barca's good work. Having said that, they have been outrageously, stupendously, magnificently good so far."


    Finn in Marlborough via 81111: "And they said Bale was as good as where near!"

  61. 2032: 
    HALF-TIME- Barcelona 2-0 AC Milan

    The players depart for a well-earned breather and it's first-half mission accomplished as far as Barca are concerned.

  62. 2030: 
    GOAL- Schalke 04 1-2 Galatasaray - Burak Yilmaz (42 mins)

    That's Yilmaz's eighth goal in eight Champions League games and it was a comedy of errors by the Schalke defence. Yilmaz barges his way through and lobs the onrushing Timo Hildebrand. The Germans must now score twice.


    Nick in Clapham via 81111: "Trying to get the ball off Messi is like trying to swat an angry wasp with chopsticks. Futile."

  64. 2027: 
    GOAL- Schalke 04 1-1 Galatasaray - Hamit Altintop (37 mins)

    Galatasararay are back level in Germany with a spectacular 25-yard strike from former Schalke man Hamit Altintop. His effort bends away from Schalke keeper Timo Hildebrand and crashes in off the inside of the post. Extra time anyone?


    Ben Statham: "Milan just missed a great chance and Barca make them pay for that miss #Messi."

    Alex Withington: "Messi amazing, half a yard and what a finish."

    Christopher Jones: "Messi is next level. I never should have doubted him."

    Tom West: "No coach? No defence? No worries. They have Messi."

  66. 2024: 
    GOAL- Barcelona 2-0 AC Milan - Lionel Messi (40 mins)

    Massimo Ambrosini is caught dawdling on the edge of the box and loses out to Andres Iniesta who puts Lionel Messi through and the Argentine jinks before placing the ball through the legs of Philippe Mexes and beyond the helpless Christian Abbiati.

  67. 2024: 
    HITS THE WOODWORK- Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    An error from Javier Mascherano and M'Baye Niang nearly punishes the Argentine. Luckily for Mascherano, though, the Frenchman, clean through on goal, hits the post.

  68. 2022: 
    Schalke 04 1-0 Galatasaray

    A chance for Galatasaray to level and secure that all-important away goal. Emmanuel Eboue releases Wesley Sneijder on the back post and the Dutchman is merely inches wide with a first-time effort.


    Alex Ray: "Why are Barca so good? I watched Wigan pass the ball around for 90 mins on sat, they're not best team in the world."

  70. 2020: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    The Italians sniff a counter-attack. Stephan El Shaarawy smoothly evades Gerard Pique and takes aim but his tame effort poses little problems for Victor Valdes.

  71. 2018: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    The Nou Camp faithful in full song as they encourage their team to score a second before the break. About 13 minutes or so of the first half remaining and Dani Alves is getting plenty of the ball on the right, although Barca aren't able to do any damage.

  72. 2018: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "Milan are having real problems getting to grips with Barca's unconventional 3-4-3 formation, with Dani Alves in particular repeatedly finding space down the right wing. Milan left back Kevin Constant seems to be marking Messi, but that's leaving Alves free. It's not the way Barcelona usually play but it's looking very effective so far: who said they had no Plan B?"

  73. 2016: 
    Schalke 04 1-0 Galatasaray

    Neither side dominating at the Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, although it's Schalke who are in front. The Germans no doubt buoyed by Saturday's 2-1 Ruhr derby defeat of Borussia Dortmund. By the way, Jens Keller's side have embarked on a run of three straight league wins since the 1-1 first leg draw with Galatasaray.

  74. 2015: 

    Peterborough are heading out of the relegation zone in the Championship if they can hold to a 1-0 lead at Leeds, which came courtesy of Dwight Gayle's fourth goal in four games. But hot on their heels are Barnsley who are 1-0 up at home to Brighton thanks to their own in-form striker Jason Scotland. But it's still goalless at the top between Cardiff and Leicester.

    Leeds v Peterborough
  75. 2012: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    A rare foray into the Barca half for Milan, but the visitors can merely put four passes together before the a pick-pocket in Barca colours steals the ball. There's only one direction Barca are going and that's forward.

  76. 2009: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    The cameras find the hirsute Carles Puyol crouched forward on the bench. Engrossing stuff for even those familiar with Barca's fluid style. The tempo has eased off a little, perhaps to a waltz instead of a manic jive.


    Herschelle Labahn: "Milan are all over the place!"

    Harty G: "It's gonna be a long night for AC Milan."

  78. 2004: 
    GOAL- Schalke 04 1-0 Galatasaray Roman Neustadter (17 mins)

    Schalke inch closer to the quarter-finals. Benedikt Howedes rises highest from corner, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera panics and Neustadter prods in the loose ball. It's now 2-1 on aggregate to the German side.

  79. 2004: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    Velvet touches from the Barcelona players, and it's a joy to watch. A quick-fire one-two from Pedro and Andres Iniesta on the edge of the box, but the move, albeit beautiful on the eye, comes to nothing. It matters not as forward go Barca again.

    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    European football expert Andy West at the Nou Camp: "What a spectacular start to the game. Barca have been magnificent and their fans are responding. The Nou Camp crowd can often be a quiet and gently appreciative audience, but not tonight; they are right into it. But a nervous hush falls whenever Milan embark upon a counter-attack - there's a real fear of that away goal."

    Barcelona celebrate

    Kris in Tooting via 81111: "Messi stood a metre from 6 Milan players. Magician or escapologist or showman? All three. Blinked and missed that build up and goal."

  82. 2000: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    A rare sight: white-shirted Milan players in Barca's half. Kevin-Prince Boateng gallops down the right and eventually the visitors earn a corner. The Barca defence don't look too comfortable, but they do boot the ball out of danger.

  83. 1958: 
    HITS THE WOODWORK- Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    Barcelona have started at a helter-skelter pace and it's one-way traffic. Andres Iniesta takes a shot from the edge of the box, which Christian Abbiati superbly saves with the tip of his fingers on to the crossbar. Messi follows up, but fires into the side-netting. Phew.


    Clara White: "One shot, one goal, ONE MESSI."

    Transferdealios: "Magical Messi."

    Christopher Hirst: "Messi never fails to amaze. What an awesome goal that was."

  85. 1957: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    Barcelona appeal for a penalty as Pedro tumbles inside the box after a challenge from Ignazio Abate. Seems a fair shout, but referee Viktor Kassai is having none of it.

  86. 1956: 
    Schalke 04 0-0 Galatasaray

    Over in Germany, Galatasaray's Didier Drogba fires in the first two shots. His first is a few yards off target but his second forces German keeper Timo Hildebrand to push his fierce strike around the near post.


    Rick Nash: "Wow."

    Michael Catling: "Purely magical. Stunning football."

    Craig McIntyre: "It is just a sheer joy to watch Leo Messi play!"

    Mark Rookes: "What a goal!!!"

  88. 1953: 
    Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan

    Balletic and brutal from the wonderful Messi. The Argentine combined with Xavi on the edge of the box and the statuesque Christian Abbiati had no hope. The home team camped in Milan's half, although Stephan El Shaarawy has a chance on the counter-attack, but fluffs his opportunity.

  89. 1950: 
    GOAL- Barcelona 1-0 AC Milan - Lionel Messi (5 mins)

    AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani described Lionel Messi as a monster. The Argentine proves why. Minimal backlift and he finds the top corner for his 52nd goal of the season. What a start.

    David Pleat, Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live:

    "I think Cardiff are still firm favourites for promotion but tonight is a crucial night. If they can get a further three points it will be very important and give them confidence with Hull going so well."

    You can listen to commentary of this match on Radio 5 live.

  91. 1948: 
    Barcelona 0-0 AC Milan

    "We have lacked the old movement in attack and the accompanying defensive intensity," said Xavi ahead of this tie. Plenty of movement from the sprightly Barca players in the opening two minutes. AC Milan still waiting for a touch.


    Ben Smee: "Nou Camp never ceases to amaze. What a sight."

  93. 1945: 

    Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is sitting comfortably, as is Barca's assistant coach Jordi Roura. Twenty-two players are on the pitch - and there's one referee, too. We're off.

  94. 1943: 

    Roars of encouragement ring out from every side of the stadium as the players stride onto the pitch to that familiar Champions League tune. Not an empty seat in sight at the Nou Camp. Deep breaths everyone, we can get through this nerve-jangler together.


    Sean Coughlan: "All this talk of Milan - Barca is invalid with Barnet travelling to Oxford and the mighty Edgar Davids in their team!"

  96. 1940: 

    If my memory (and the internet) serves me right then AC Milan took a 4-0 lead to north London in last season's last-16 meeting with Arsenal and almost saw their advantage eked away during a 3-0 second-leg loss at the Emirates.

    "Our attitude will define this match," says Rossoneri midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. "Our attitude has to be to want to hurt Barcelona. One goal would increase our chances massively." It certainly would.

  97. 1935: 
    Globe Arena

    Where's regular football live texter Tom Rostance, I hear you ask. Tom is on a special assignment. He's at the Globe Arena for Morecambe v Northampton. "Who needs the Nou Camp?" he asks, shivering.


    Igwubor Oseroke: "If there was any team that could turn this result around right now, it's Barca."

    Ross.W: "True test of character for Barca tonight."

    Ijaz: "Now is the time for Barca to prove they can bounce back from what looks like their worst form in recent years."


    Julian in Framlingham via 81111: "Nothing but a Milan win here tonight, Barcelona haven't been the same since Tito Vilanova's treatment started. 1-0 Milan."

  100. 1932: 

    I know what many of you are thinking: what does Kevin Kilbane think about Barca's hopes this evening. Well, funnily enough, the Everton midfielder has been talking to Dan Walker of Football Focus fame. "I think Milan will probably go there sitting and will score from the break," he said. "And I think Milan will qualify from that game." So, there you go.


    Arthur Wilson: "One thing we know is that Italian sides love defending. It's a good job as for the next 90 mins they'll be doing a lot of it."

    Andrew Priestley: "Fully expecting a roaring comeback by Barca. Italian defensive stereotype will not work for AC Milan tonight, too lightweight.

  102. 1927: 

    "For 90 years this was a club that never won anything, then Johan Cruyff arrived [in 1988] and changed our history," said the centre-back ahead of the tie. "Then Franck Rijkaard, then Pep Guardiola and Tito. You have to have faith in this team. People seem to have short memories, they don't seem to realise that we can do this... and more."

    Gerard Pique
  103. 1926: 

    So, back to the main talking point of the evening. None of the results Barcelona have achieved at home in this year's Champions League would be enough to see them through this evening. That hasn't stopped Gerard Pique stirring the emotions with a rousing motivational speech. Let me tell you what he said...


    Chris: "3-1 win for Barca, Milan go through on away goals. Liverpool dominated second leg vs Zenit but the 2-0 deficit proved too much."

    Toby: "A 2-0 at home for the best team in the world isn't that crazy of a prediction."

  105. 1923: 

    What's to say about this evening's League Two fixtures? Well, the top four are all playing away from the comforts of home. Gillingham, five points clear at the top, are at Exeter - who are clinging onto the final play-off spot. There are just four points separating the next five places so Port Vale and Burton Albion need to win at Bristol Rovers and Aldershot respectively to ensure they remain in the automatic promotion spots. Plymouth could climb off the bottom with a win over League Cup finalists Bradford.

  106. 1920: 

    Top two Doncaster and Sheffield United have been beaten by the weather so the chasing pack have the chance to close the gap. Swindon will move second if they win at Brentford in the game of the night, but defeat will see them slip below the Bees. Fourth-placed Tranmere also have a difficult trip to Walsall, while Yeovil - a point behind in fifth - are at home to Crawley.

  107. 1918:  
    BBC Radio 5 live

    There will be live coverage of Cardiff's encounter with Leicester on BBC Radio 5 live, we well as updates on Barnsley's clash with Brighton and Leeds United's Championship ding-dong with Peterborough.

  108. 1917: 

    There's plenty going on in the Football League. Championship leaders Cardiff will be looking to extend their lead over Hull to six points with victory over Leicester. The team from the Welsh capital will achieve a 23rd victory of the season if they beat the Foxes, matching the total they accumulated in the 1959-60 season when they were last promoted to the top flight. A sign? I don't know to be honest.


    Brendan Sweeney: "Finally Barca are playing their strongest team tonight. Plenty of threat out wide and a midfield that knows its role."

    Keith Brandon: "Almost every goal is important, but the next goal in the Milan/Barca match is THE most important."

    Rory Smith: "In tiny pub in Bullona district of Milan...several burly Rossoneri chaps here, not sure to tell them I predict 3-0 to Barca."


    Thayyab in Leamington on 81111: "Milan to go through, not because of their defence but Barca's is too leaky for Milan not to snatch that crucial away goal."

  111. 1909: 

    As always, your views and opinions are welcome. Actually, they're encouraged so send your predictions and chit-chat either using the hashtag #bbcfootball or via text on 81111. Is talk of a Barcelona fightback a pipe dream? More importantly, will Yeovil prevail over Crawley in League One?

  112. 1907: 
    Schalke 04 v Galatasaray (1945GMT)

    Finnish forward Teemu Pukki replaces injured striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the Schalke line-up. It's the only change from the team which beat Borussia Dortmund in a Bundesliga derby at the weekend. Former Blackburn midfielder Jermaine Jones, who scored the equaliser in the first leg, is suspended and is replaced by Japan international Atsuto Uchida.

    Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue is the only change in the Galatasaray side that drew the first leg 1-1 in Turkey.


    European football expert Andy West in Barcelona: "The big talking point from the teamsheets is the omission of Carles Puyol. He's on the bench so it must be tactical. Barca's thinking is that Javier Mascherano, who takes the skipper's place, is significantly quicker and will therefore be able to deal with Milan's counter-attacks more effectively. David Villa gets the start the fans were demanding and it's a massive opportunity for him to show he can still cut it on the biggest stage."

  114. 1904: 
    Barcelona v AC Milan (1945 GMT)

    Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura makes two changes from the first leg as he swaps Carles Puyol for Javier Mascherano at centre-back and introduces the goal threat of striker David Villa in place of Cesc Fabregas. In midfield, playmaker Xavi shakes of a hamstring strain and is fit to start.

    For AC Milan, in the absence of the injured Giampaolo Pazzini and cup-tied Mario Balotelli, youngster M'Baye Niang starts in attack. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri also makes a like-for-like change in midfield as he replaces first leg goalscorer Sully Muntari with former Arsenal battler Mathieu Flamini.


    European football expert Andy West in Barcelona: "There has been an atmosphere of trepidation around Barcelona in the last few days, with lots of fans pessimistic about their team's chances. The local media have been waving the flag with all sorts of "We still believe" messages, but the biggest concern is that Milan will be able to score - which would leave Barca needing four."

    Nou Camp
  116. 1904: 

    A flick through the history books suggests the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta have a tough task ahead of them. Actually, they need to make Champions League history to progress. No team has turned around a two-goal deficit in the Champions League without the benefit of an away goal, but when a player such as Iniesta says he would put his "hand in a fire" to get through to the next round then you know a special evening could be in store.

  117. 1901: 

    Ah, yes, the away goal. AC Milan are 10 games unbeaten and come up against a side who have kept only one clean sheet in their last 14 games. Talk of Barcelona's demise has, of course, been greatly exaggerated but the La Liga leaders have stuttered and spluttered of late. In Tito Vilanova's absence through illness they have won six, drawn three and lost four of their last 13 games.

  118. 1859: 

    Unsurprisingly, Milan have opted for the same back four which, in Xavi's words, were "spectacular" during the first leg in the San Siro. As you probably know, the Italians arrive in the Catalan capital with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari. They have a foot in the quarter-finals and could mess up Barca's fiery talk of a comeback with one away goal.

  119. 1853: 

    In the absence of the cup-tied Mario Balotelli and the injured Giampaolo Pazzini, M'Baye Niang starts in the middle of the front three.

  120. 1850: 

    The big names have been scribbled on the team sheet. Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder both start, as does former Arsenal man Emmanuel Eboue.

  121. 1848: 

    What have we in store tonight? Well, there's lots of football which is good news. Barcelona host AC Milan, which everyone seems to know about, and in the 'other' last 16 Champions League tie Galatasaray take on Schalke 04. It's not all about high end dining at Europe's top table, though, because there are three Championship fixtures and a heap of League One and League Two fixtures. We'll keep you updated throughout.

  122. 1846: 

    Barcelona need goals so David Villa returns to the starting line-up. Defender Carles Puyol has not made the cut.

  123. 1841: 
    Xavi Hernandez

    "This generation has yet to make a historic comeback and we'd like to do it. We owe it to the fans. We'll go all out to make a comeback." Xavi Hernandez

  124. 1835: 

    Thirty-six years ago Bobby Robson and his Ipswich Town team confidently travelled to the Camp Nou with a 3-0 first leg lead in the Uefa Cup. But Barcelona had Johan Cruyff. The Dutchman scored twice, the Catalans won the second leg 3-0 and went through on penalties. In 1986, Gothenburg were the victims as Barcelona overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit to reach the European Cup final. Can this much heralded crop of Barcelona players produce another remontada?

  125. 1830: 

    Let's take a walk down Barcelona's La Rambla, where men, women and children, and even the towering trees which surround the famous colourful promenade, are (probably) whispering one word and one word only: Remontada. Comeback.

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