AC Milan vs Barcelona, 1st Leg

1. 90'

   <b>And that's the final whistle - a brilliant performance from Milan, particularly after the break, has stifled Barcelona and earned the Italians a potentially pivotal 2-0 first-leg lead.</b>

2. 90'

   Pique finds Alves, who crosses. Abbiati takes the ball comfortably, and that is almost that.

3. 90'

   Boateng gets it to Niang on the right. He takes on Alba, who almost casually gets the better of him.

4. 90'

   Again, though, they're forced back. Messi loses possession and Traore picks up possession. He can't make the most of the space, but Milan - crucially - do manage to keep the ball.

5. 90'

   Mexes produces a splendid defensive header as Barcelona swing a hopeful ball into the box. But Barcelona come forward once more...

6. 90'

   <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> And a booking for the Milan substitute.

7. 90'

   Traore brings down Busquets as he tries to get the ball inside the Barcelona half. Free-kick...

8. 90'

   In comes a Barcelona cross, and another header away follows.

9. 90'

   Five minutes of stoppage time - perhaps not surprising after that collision of heads involving Puyol earlier in the half.

10. 90'

    Barca have a throw deep inside their own half, and we are inside the final minute of normal time. Just waiting to see what the fourth official says will be added.

11. 89'

    Muntari does well, cutting off Barcelona at source as they try to make room down the left in their own half. The hosts are back on the ball with the seconds ticking away.

12. 88'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Puyol comes off and Mascherano is on as Barcelona make a late change.

13. 88'

    Two minutes, plus stoppages, stand between Miolan and a two-goal cushion to take to the San Siro.

14. 87'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> El Shaarawy, who has had an excellent night, comes off, and Bakaye Traore comes on.

15. 87'

    Xavi will whip this in. He finds Puyol, who gets a powerful header - and can only steer it wide of the target.

16. 86'

    Pedro scampers down the left for Barcelona. They have a corner...

17. 85'

    And the response from the stands is superb - huge cheers, huge noise. These Milan fans have a great deal to be proud of tonight.

18. 84'

    Another great challenge from Milan in midfield. There must have been millions of those by now.

19. 84'

    Xavi goes into the area and falls under a challenge. Nothing doing, says referee Thomson.

20. 83'

    And for the umpteenth time, Milan get a challenge in. They have provided a lesson in how to defend against Barcelona.

21. 82'

    The visitors come forward, looking for an away goal that is now much more needed than it was a couple of minutes ago.

22. 82'

    Who would have thought it? Milan have doubled their money and, if they can take a 2-0 lead to the Camp Nou, who knows?

23. 81'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL: The ball is played into the area, and El Shaarawy flicks it beautifully into the path of the lurking Muntari, who is all on his own and finishes superbly from about ten yards out.</b>

24. 80'

    More good pressing by Boateng as Barcelona look to play it forward. He gets a touch on the ball, and Milan can come forward...

25. 79'

    He bends it over the wall and over the bar, and it just brushes the top of the net as it goes.

Leaders

MILBAR

Total Shots

Kevin-Prince Boateng

3

Lionel Messi

2

Accurate Passes

Riccardo Montolivo

27

Xavi

118

Saves

Christian Abbiati

1

Víctor Valdés

1