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| Gerrard Pique and Robinho contest the ball |
Neither Barcelona nor AC Milan claimed 3 points in their latest tussle of the Champion's League at San Siro as both played to a draw. The host drew first blood in the 9th minute when Robinho capitalized a Javier Mascherano mistake. Mascherano received a wayward header from Sergio Busquets but the former made a backpass that went to Robinho. Robinho shadowed by Gerrard Pique flicked the ball to a streaking Kaka. As the defenders attention shifted to Kaka, Kaka then return the pass to Robinho who is now positioned unmarked at the center of the penalty box and poked the ball into the net as Valdes was too late in reacting.
AC Milan's lead however did not stay long. In the 23rd minute, Cristian Zapata's pass was stolen by Sergio Busquets but he was sandwiched by Ricardo Montolivo and Philip Mexes. The collision let the ball loose and intercepted by Andres Iniesta who storm to the Milan penalty box. Iniesta saw Lionel Messi on the right. Messi attacked from there and with a slight evasion on Philip Mexes smashed the ball to the net.
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| Messi saved Barca from defeat |
It proved to be the marginal goal as both sides was unable to add another goal, not even Mario Ballotelli's substitution on Robinho produced another goal for Milan.
In the second half, Barcelona clearly controlled the tempo and had more opportunities. In the 54th minute, Lionel Messi passed the ball to Xavi before Xavi slide the ball to a streaking Iniesta who slipped past Philip Mexes and Cristian Zapata only for his shot saved by Milan keeper Marco Amelia.
In the 70th minute, Lionel Messi lobbed Adriano to the left. Adriano brokeaway from Kaka but still he missed a close range shot. Later in the 90th minute, Dani Alves powerful shot was stopped by Marco Amelia.
Milan's other opportunity came in the 68th minute when Ricardo Montolivo's on target attempt was caught by Basilio Valdes.
Barcelona always have a difficult time in San Siro. In the knockout stage last year, Barcelona lost to Milan in the opening leg. However Barca wrapped up the series when it thumped Milan 4-0 in the return leg at home. With the latest game, the first round of the group stage is completed.
