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..::Football II::..
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Full Time
Agg
{4-2}
Barcelona 4 Vs 0 AC Milan
Barcelona Goal(s)
Messi 5',39'
David Villa 55'
Jodi Alba 90+2'
Agg
{4-2}
Barcelona Goal(s)
Messi 5',39'
David Villa 55'
Jodi Alba 90+2'
Full Time
Agg
{4-2}
Barcelona 4 Vs 0 AC Milan
Barcelona Goal(s)
Messi 5',39'
David Villa 55'
Jodi Alba 90+2'
Patta Match 1ka
Schalke 2-3 Galatasaray (Agg 3-4): Strong away showing seals Turkish progression to quarterfinals
Galatasaray progressed to the quarterfinals of the Champions League thanks to a 3-2 away win against Schalke, one that ensured Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder's quest for another European crown continued after a 4-3 aggregate triumph.
Roman Neustadter put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute, but goals from Hamit Altintop and Burak Yilmaz in a five-minute span late in the first half turned the game on its head. Michel Bastos equalized after the break, but a third goal proved to be a step to far for Jens Keller's side, and Nordin Amrabat ended the contest in second-half stoppage time.
With Galatasaray needing to score thanks to Schalke' saway goal three weeks ago, the Turks came out of the blocks the quicker of the two teams, with Atintop and Drogba firing wide in the early minutes. Timo Hildebrand was then forced into two good saves in quick succession, denying the Ivorian icon after some superb skill and palming wide from Selcuk Inan, who had been sent clear.
At the other end, meanwhile, Schalke had offered very little. Bastos made goalkeeper Fernando Muslera work with a tame effort, and Joel Matip headed over from a corner, but, in truth, the club's opener was against the run of play.
Benedikt Howedes beat Drogba to a Jefferson Farfan in-swinging corner kick, and after Semih Kaya failed to clear the loose ball, Matip forced it into the path of Neustadter, who powered an effort into the back of the net.
The onus was on Schalke to take control of the game truly, but Galatasaray responded to the deficit well. Wesley Sneijder fired a superb first-time strike wide of the post before the Turks found their equalizer.
Inan declined the opportunity to swing a free kick into the box, instead squaring it to Altintop, who shot from 35 yards, his effort deflecting in via the inside of the post to torch his former team in his home town.
A mere five minutes later, Galatasaray turned the tie on its head. Albert Riera beat Marco Hoger to a 50-50 ball and his clearance fell to Yilmaz, who beat Howedes in a foot race and lifted the ball over the onrushing Hildebrand.
Schalke rallied hard in the second half, and Julian Draxler had an effort charged down by Semih, while Muslera was forced into a rare save when Teemu Pukki cut onto his right foot and sent a low effort towards the corner that the former Lazio keeper did well to parry.
Soon enough, the hosts had equalizer. Marco Hoger cracked a strike against the woodwork, and in the ensuing melee in the Galatasaray box, Atsuto Uchida steered the ball to Bastos, who applied the finish.
Schalke still needed another to combat Galatasaray's away-goal edge, and Draxler had another great effort denied by Muslera, before Jefferson Farfan's strike appeared to hit a Galatasaray arm. Howedes sent a free header at the near post over, and Muslera got off his line brilliantly to smother a Draxler cross at close range.
Bastos sent a further effort into the keeper's arms, but in the end, Galatasaray broke with Schalke having numbers forward, and Amrabat secured his side's place in the last eight with the stoppage-time effort.
Galatasaray progressed to the quarterfinals of the Champions League thanks to a 3-2 away win against Schalke, one that ensured Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder's quest for another European crown continued after a 4-3 aggregate triumph.
Roman Neustadter put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute, but goals from Hamit Altintop and Burak Yilmaz in a five-minute span late in the first half turned the game on its head. Michel Bastos equalized after the break, but a third goal proved to be a step to far for Jens Keller's side, and Nordin Amrabat ended the contest in second-half stoppage time.
With Galatasaray needing to score thanks to Schalke' saway goal three weeks ago, the Turks came out of the blocks the quicker of the two teams, with Atintop and Drogba firing wide in the early minutes. Timo Hildebrand was then forced into two good saves in quick succession, denying the Ivorian icon after some superb skill and palming wide from Selcuk Inan, who had been sent clear.
At the other end, meanwhile, Schalke had offered very little. Bastos made goalkeeper Fernando Muslera work with a tame effort, and Joel Matip headed over from a corner, but, in truth, the club's opener was against the run of play.
Benedikt Howedes beat Drogba to a Jefferson Farfan in-swinging corner kick, and after Semih Kaya failed to clear the loose ball, Matip forced it into the path of Neustadter, who powered an effort into the back of the net.
The onus was on Schalke to take control of the game truly, but Galatasaray responded to the deficit well. Wesley Sneijder fired a superb first-time strike wide of the post before the Turks found their equalizer.
Inan declined the opportunity to swing a free kick into the box, instead squaring it to Altintop, who shot from 35 yards, his effort deflecting in via the inside of the post to torch his former team in his home town.
A mere five minutes later, Galatasaray turned the tie on its head. Albert Riera beat Marco Hoger to a 50-50 ball and his clearance fell to Yilmaz, who beat Howedes in a foot race and lifted the ball over the onrushing Hildebrand.
Schalke rallied hard in the second half, and Julian Draxler had an effort charged down by Semih, while Muslera was forced into a rare save when Teemu Pukki cut onto his right foot and sent a low effort towards the corner that the former Lazio keeper did well to parry.
Soon enough, the hosts had equalizer. Marco Hoger cracked a strike against the woodwork, and in the ensuing melee in the Galatasaray box, Atsuto Uchida steered the ball to Bastos, who applied the finish.
Schalke still needed another to combat Galatasaray's away-goal edge, and Draxler had another great effort denied by Muslera, before Jefferson Farfan's strike appeared to hit a Galatasaray arm. Howedes sent a free header at the near post over, and Muslera got off his line brilliantly to smother a Draxler cross at close range.
Bastos sent a further effort into the keeper's arms, but in the end, Galatasaray broke with Schalke having numbers forward, and Amrabat secured his side's place in the last eight with the stoppage-time effort.
Barcelona 4-0 AC Milan (Agg 4-2): Messi, Villa and Alba complete great escape for Catalan giants
Barcelona marched into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Camp Nou on Tuesday.
The Catalans were tipped for an early exit from the competition after a 2-0 reverse in Italy, but became the first team to recover from such a first-leg deficit with a display that showcased the best of their awesome attacking quailty.
Lionel Messi needed only five minutes to open the scoring in sublime fashion, before putting his side level on aggregate with his second goal shortly before the interval.
David Villa put Barca ahead for good early in the second half, and Jordi Alba added the clincher in the last minute of injury time as Milan, despite a late improvement, could have little complaints about the result.
Xavi recovered from a hamstring injury in time to start in the hosts’ midfield, while Villa and Pedro were the ones chosen to line up alongside Messi in attack.Meanwhile, with Giampaolo Pazzini injured and Mario Balotelli ineligible, Milan lined up with M’Baye Niang, Stephan El Shaarawy and Kevin-Prince Boateng up front.
Barca was dominant right from kickoff, and was rewarded with the opening goal after five minutes, when Messi linked beautifully with Xavi for a one-two, and curled an equally sublime effort in from the edge of the box.The first half was shaping up to be an unmistakably one-sided affair, with Milan hanging on for dear life against wave after wave of Barca attacks.
Ignazio Abate avoided conceding a penalty for a push on Pedro, before Christian Abbiati did excellently to push a splendid half-volley from Andres Iniesta onto the crossbar – with Messi nodding the rebound into the side netting.
Abbiati repeated the trick by tipping a Xavi piledriver around the post, but as the first half progressed, the home side’s chances dried up as Milan began to compose themselves at the back.And with halftime seven minutes away, the Rossoneri nearly struck the killer blow at the other end of the pitch.
A terrible header from Javier Mascherano let in Niang, who had time to pick his spot, but struck the base of the post, leaving the visiting fans grimacing in agony.
And Niang’s miss would become far more costly two minutes later, when Iniesta found Messi lurking, who drilled precisely into the corner from just outside the area.
The Argentine was at it again immediately after the restart, pouncing on a Kevin Constant giveaway, but after storming into to box, failed to seriously trouble Abbiati with his finish.But with 55 minutes on the clock, Barca would strike again to finally move ahead in the tie. Xavi’s fantastic pass picked out Villa on the right, who shifted the ball onto his left foot and bent a fine finish into the far corner.
Milan now had to score to progress, and Allegri responded by throwing on Robinho and Sulley Muntari for Niang and Massimo Ambrosini.
The Rossoneri improved in the latter stages of the second half, with both Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba forced into last-ditch challenges inside the area, though they were somewhat fortunate to see an Alexis Sanchez goal disallowed for offside.But they still were woefully inadequate up front, and with the second ticking away, Alba stole in down the left to latch onto Sanchez's pass and clip a finish over Abbiati to wrap up the victory.
Barcelona marched into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Camp Nou on Tuesday.
The Catalans were tipped for an early exit from the competition after a 2-0 reverse in Italy, but became the first team to recover from such a first-leg deficit with a display that showcased the best of their awesome attacking quailty.
Lionel Messi needed only five minutes to open the scoring in sublime fashion, before putting his side level on aggregate with his second goal shortly before the interval.
David Villa put Barca ahead for good early in the second half, and Jordi Alba added the clincher in the last minute of injury time as Milan, despite a late improvement, could have little complaints about the result.
Xavi recovered from a hamstring injury in time to start in the hosts’ midfield, while Villa and Pedro were the ones chosen to line up alongside Messi in attack.Meanwhile, with Giampaolo Pazzini injured and Mario Balotelli ineligible, Milan lined up with M’Baye Niang, Stephan El Shaarawy and Kevin-Prince Boateng up front.
Barca was dominant right from kickoff, and was rewarded with the opening goal after five minutes, when Messi linked beautifully with Xavi for a one-two, and curled an equally sublime effort in from the edge of the box.The first half was shaping up to be an unmistakably one-sided affair, with Milan hanging on for dear life against wave after wave of Barca attacks.
Ignazio Abate avoided conceding a penalty for a push on Pedro, before Christian Abbiati did excellently to push a splendid half-volley from Andres Iniesta onto the crossbar – with Messi nodding the rebound into the side netting.
Abbiati repeated the trick by tipping a Xavi piledriver around the post, but as the first half progressed, the home side’s chances dried up as Milan began to compose themselves at the back.And with halftime seven minutes away, the Rossoneri nearly struck the killer blow at the other end of the pitch.
A terrible header from Javier Mascherano let in Niang, who had time to pick his spot, but struck the base of the post, leaving the visiting fans grimacing in agony.
And Niang’s miss would become far more costly two minutes later, when Iniesta found Messi lurking, who drilled precisely into the corner from just outside the area.
The Argentine was at it again immediately after the restart, pouncing on a Kevin Constant giveaway, but after storming into to box, failed to seriously trouble Abbiati with his finish.But with 55 minutes on the clock, Barca would strike again to finally move ahead in the tie. Xavi’s fantastic pass picked out Villa on the right, who shifted the ball onto his left foot and bent a fine finish into the far corner.
Milan now had to score to progress, and Allegri responded by throwing on Robinho and Sulley Muntari for Niang and Massimo Ambrosini.
The Rossoneri improved in the latter stages of the second half, with both Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba forced into last-ditch challenges inside the area, though they were somewhat fortunate to see an Alexis Sanchez goal disallowed for offside.But they still were woefully inadequate up front, and with the second ticking away, Alba stole in down the left to latch onto Sanchez's pass and clip a finish over Abbiati to wrap up the victory.
Schalke was asleep in the first half, says Draxler
The 19-year-old has expressed his disappointment after Schalke was knocked out of Europe in the 95th minute of its last-16 clash on Tuesday evening
Julian Draxler has blamed Schalke’s 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the second-leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie on "being asleep" in the first half.
Schalke went 1-0 up through an early Roman Neustadter strike, but the Turkish champion responded with two first-half goals from Hamit Altintop and Burak Yilmaz, and though Michel Bastos made it 2-2, Umut Bulut's 95th minute goal saw the Turkish side advance to the quarterfinals.“Of course, it’s very hard to take. We slept in the first half completely. There is no explanation for it because we were full of confidence,” the 19-year-old playmaker told Sky. “But for the second half you have to praise the team. We tried everything and we were unlucky at the end.”
Draxler’s view was shared by his coach Jens Keller, who also expressed his disappointment in the performance of his side in the opening 45 minutes.“I have no explanation [for the first half]. We were not in the game and we showed no aggression," he said to Sky after the game.
“The concentration was not there and we did not manage to show what we wanted to do at all.”
The 19-year-old has expressed his disappointment after Schalke was knocked out of Europe in the 95th minute of its last-16 clash on Tuesday evening
Julian Draxler has blamed Schalke’s 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the second-leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie on "being asleep" in the first half.
Schalke went 1-0 up through an early Roman Neustadter strike, but the Turkish champion responded with two first-half goals from Hamit Altintop and Burak Yilmaz, and though Michel Bastos made it 2-2, Umut Bulut's 95th minute goal saw the Turkish side advance to the quarterfinals.“Of course, it’s very hard to take. We slept in the first half completely. There is no explanation for it because we were full of confidence,” the 19-year-old playmaker told Sky. “But for the second half you have to praise the team. We tried everything and we were unlucky at the end.”
Draxler’s view was shared by his coach Jens Keller, who also expressed his disappointment in the performance of his side in the opening 45 minutes.“I have no explanation [for the first half]. We were not in the game and we showed no aggression," he said to Sky after the game.
“The concentration was not there and we did not manage to show what we wanted to do at all.”
Vilanova was very happy with Barcelona win, reveals Roura
The Catalans booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit at Camp Nou.
Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura revealed that Tito Vilanova was delighted with the 4-0 win over AC Milan when the pair spoke after the match.
A sensational display from the Blaugrana saw them dominate from start to finish at Camp Nou, progressing to the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate, and Roura hinted that the thrilled head coach may soon be back in Catalunya to celebrate with the team.
"As always, we are in constant contact. I talked to him after the match and he was very happy. The recovery process is going well and in a few days he may be with us," he told reporters.
The Catalans became the first side in history to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Roura believes his players' performance level was enough to silence those who have doubted the side in recent weeks.
"We've had a few days where the players have suffered excessive, out-of-place criticism. This has been a day to vindicate them," he went on. "They are special players, they played with a commitment and an incredible intensity. Their attitude has been commendable. I am very happy and proud to be with them."
The Liga leader altered its formation from the first leg, using a three-man defense and adding David Villa to the starting lineup, and Roura was thrilled that the tactical change proved successful.
"Our intention was to focus more on their center, where they are less comfortable," he revealed. "David is a very good player, we knew he could take advantage of any opportunity. [Javier] Mascherano is a very good passer of the ball and he could reach the flanks more easily."
Barcelona heads into the quarterfinal draw as one of the favorites to lift the trophy in May, but Roura insists it must take each game as it comes - including a possible meeting with Real Madrid.
"This tie has shown that every opponent is dangerous. Now people say we are favorites, but I don't think so. The draw is on Friday, and then we'll see. One step at a time," he added. "The draw will be what it will be. If we draw Real Madrid, then we will play Real Madrid. We will fight and we will prepare with the strongest intensity possible."
The Catalans booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit at Camp Nou.
Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura revealed that Tito Vilanova was delighted with the 4-0 win over AC Milan when the pair spoke after the match.
A sensational display from the Blaugrana saw them dominate from start to finish at Camp Nou, progressing to the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate, and Roura hinted that the thrilled head coach may soon be back in Catalunya to celebrate with the team.
"As always, we are in constant contact. I talked to him after the match and he was very happy. The recovery process is going well and in a few days he may be with us," he told reporters.
The Catalans became the first side in history to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Roura believes his players' performance level was enough to silence those who have doubted the side in recent weeks.
"We've had a few days where the players have suffered excessive, out-of-place criticism. This has been a day to vindicate them," he went on. "They are special players, they played with a commitment and an incredible intensity. Their attitude has been commendable. I am very happy and proud to be with them."
The Liga leader altered its formation from the first leg, using a three-man defense and adding David Villa to the starting lineup, and Roura was thrilled that the tactical change proved successful.
"Our intention was to focus more on their center, where they are less comfortable," he revealed. "David is a very good player, we knew he could take advantage of any opportunity. [Javier] Mascherano is a very good passer of the ball and he could reach the flanks more easily."
Barcelona heads into the quarterfinal draw as one of the favorites to lift the trophy in May, but Roura insists it must take each game as it comes - including a possible meeting with Real Madrid.
"This tie has shown that every opponent is dangerous. Now people say we are favorites, but I don't think so. The draw is on Friday, and then we'll see. One step at a time," he added. "The draw will be what it will be. If we draw Real Madrid, then we will play Real Madrid. We will fight and we will prepare with the strongest intensity possible."
Life at Real Madrid is perfect, says Khedira
The 25-year-old arrived in Spain from Stuttgart three years ago and admitted he is very much at home at the Bernabeu Sami Khedira believes he has been the "luckiest person in the world" since joining Real Madrid and described life at the club as "perfect".
The holding midfielder moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Stuttgart in 2010 and has been a regular this season, playing 34 games in all competitions.
“My life at Real Madrid is perfect,” the 25-year-old said on his website. “I feel very much at home in Spain and all I can say is that I’m the luckiest person in the world since I joined this club.”Khedira’s performances this term have drawn praise from Jose Mourinho and the 25-year-old has previously spoken about the importance of having the faith of his coach.
The Bundesliga and La Liga winner’s form has also drawn a response from Cristiano Ronaldo, who commented on Khedira’s sense of humor as well as his contribution to the team.
He revealed: “He doesn’t tell a joke much, but when he does, it cracks you up. Sami is great for Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch.”
The 25-year-old arrived in Spain from Stuttgart three years ago and admitted he is very much at home at the Bernabeu Sami Khedira believes he has been the "luckiest person in the world" since joining Real Madrid and described life at the club as "perfect".
The holding midfielder moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Stuttgart in 2010 and has been a regular this season, playing 34 games in all competitions.
“My life at Real Madrid is perfect,” the 25-year-old said on his website. “I feel very much at home in Spain and all I can say is that I’m the luckiest person in the world since I joined this club.”Khedira’s performances this term have drawn praise from Jose Mourinho and the 25-year-old has previously spoken about the importance of having the faith of his coach.
The Bundesliga and La Liga winner’s form has also drawn a response from Cristiano Ronaldo, who commented on Khedira’s sense of humor as well as his contribution to the team.
He revealed: “He doesn’t tell a joke much, but when he does, it cracks you up. Sami is great for Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch.”
Rio Ferdinand faces no FA action over Torres altercationThe veteran Red Devils defender clashed with the ex-Liverpool man towards the end of Sunday's game, with referee Howard Webb missing the incident, but has escaped a ban Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand will not face disciplinary action following an altercation with Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, the Football Association have confirmed.
The Red Devils defender appeared to shove the Spain international to the floor before grabbing him to his feet in an off-the-ball incident when the two sides met at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Referee Howard Webb missed the incident - prompting speculation the FA could hand the 34-year-old a ban, however this has now been ruled out with the official having been shown video footage of the clash.
Chelsea went 2-0 down early on thanks to a goal apiece from Chicharito and Wayne Rooney, before battling back to grab a 2-2 draw with goals from Eden Hazard and Ramires.
The two sides will now battle in out in quarterfinal replay at Stamford Bridge with the winner facing Manchester City in the semifinals.
Allegri: Luck not on AC Milan's side in second leg against Barcelona
The Rossoneri coach believes the outcome could have been different had a few close calls gone his side's way during turning-point moments at Camp Nou.
Massimiliano Allegri claimed that AC Milan was “centimeters” away from qualifying for the Champions League quarterfinals after a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in their round of 16 second-leg on Tuesday.The Rossoneri’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Italy was wiped out by halftime thanks to a Lionel Messi double, before second-half goals from David Villa and Jordi Alba put the tie to bed.
The match could have been much different had M’Baye Niang found the back of the net instead of the post, minutes before Messi made it 2-0, though, and Allegri maintained that the game was always likely to be decided by such small margins.
“Of course, qualification was always going to be a matter of centimeters. We hit the post with Niang, then conceded with Messi,” Allegri told reporters. “In order to play these games, you need legs and I made these choices. If Niang had scored, my choice would’ve been praised. Luck was with us in the first leg with that deflection into Boateng’s path, this time it went against us with Niang hitting the upright.
“This defeat is disappointing for the club, the fans and the lads, as they gave their all and hoped to achieve something remarkable. Tonight it was tough, yet we kept it open to the end and when 3-0 down had some chances that could have gone better.“Barcelona are the strongest side in the world. Messi and Iniesta kept dribbling with such cool heads in stoppages, Xavi was so sharp. I have to praise my lads for not giving up to the very end, as they could’ve let their heads drop."
With Champions League play no longer a concern for the rest of the campaign, Allegri encouraged his side to focus on qualifying for the competition next season, with Milan sitting in third place in Serie A.
“On Sunday we face Palermo and our position in Serie A is the most important thing. Our objective right now is to get back into the tournament for next year," Allegri said. “We had five players in their first Champions League campaign. Tonight’s game will help everyone grow. It will be a useful experience.”
The Rossoneri coach believes the outcome could have been different had a few close calls gone his side's way during turning-point moments at Camp Nou.
Massimiliano Allegri claimed that AC Milan was “centimeters” away from qualifying for the Champions League quarterfinals after a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in their round of 16 second-leg on Tuesday.The Rossoneri’s 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Italy was wiped out by halftime thanks to a Lionel Messi double, before second-half goals from David Villa and Jordi Alba put the tie to bed.
The match could have been much different had M’Baye Niang found the back of the net instead of the post, minutes before Messi made it 2-0, though, and Allegri maintained that the game was always likely to be decided by such small margins.
“Of course, qualification was always going to be a matter of centimeters. We hit the post with Niang, then conceded with Messi,” Allegri told reporters. “In order to play these games, you need legs and I made these choices. If Niang had scored, my choice would’ve been praised. Luck was with us in the first leg with that deflection into Boateng’s path, this time it went against us with Niang hitting the upright.
“This defeat is disappointing for the club, the fans and the lads, as they gave their all and hoped to achieve something remarkable. Tonight it was tough, yet we kept it open to the end and when 3-0 down had some chances that could have gone better.“Barcelona are the strongest side in the world. Messi and Iniesta kept dribbling with such cool heads in stoppages, Xavi was so sharp. I have to praise my lads for not giving up to the very end, as they could’ve let their heads drop."
With Champions League play no longer a concern for the rest of the campaign, Allegri encouraged his side to focus on qualifying for the competition next season, with Milan sitting in third place in Serie A.
“On Sunday we face Palermo and our position in Serie A is the most important thing. Our objective right now is to get back into the tournament for next year," Allegri said. “We had five players in their first Champions League campaign. Tonight’s game will help everyone grow. It will be a useful experience.”
Pique: Barca was better than Milan from the start
The Catalan giants fought back from a two-goal first-leg deficit at Camp Nou, silencing their critics with an imperious victory that sees them progress to the UCL quarterfinals.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said his side was clearly the better side and that its quick start was crucial during its 4-0 UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday. The result sealed the club's place in the quarterfinals on a 4-2 aggregate, as Barca overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
David Villa bagged the third and decisive goal for the Spanish side after two goals from the majestic Lionel Messi. Jordi Alba made a crucial defensive stop on Robinho on one end and then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time.
"We were lucky to score early and that helped us a lot," Pique told reporters. "The atmosphere was amazing, the fans know we need them and for them we played well.
"We were better than Milan from the start tonight, and fortunately we managed to score the goals to qualify."
Villa then spoke of the confidence flowing through the Barca team after such a heroic victory, as the Catalan side overturned Milan's two-goal edge from the first leg and kept a clean sheet.
"The fans were always behind us, they always trusted us," Villa added. "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 quarterfinals."
Alba echoed Villa's thoughts, believing that a continuation of the club's intensity and form is vital to its fight toward European glory.
"This was a very important victory for us," Alba told reporters. "We were very good defensively and going forward. We knew exactly how to play this game tonight.
"We will look to continue with the same intensity in the next round."
The Catalan giants fought back from a two-goal first-leg deficit at Camp Nou, silencing their critics with an imperious victory that sees them progress to the UCL quarterfinals.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said his side was clearly the better side and that its quick start was crucial during its 4-0 UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday. The result sealed the club's place in the quarterfinals on a 4-2 aggregate, as Barca overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
David Villa bagged the third and decisive goal for the Spanish side after two goals from the majestic Lionel Messi. Jordi Alba made a crucial defensive stop on Robinho on one end and then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time.
"We were lucky to score early and that helped us a lot," Pique told reporters. "The atmosphere was amazing, the fans know we need them and for them we played well.
"We were better than Milan from the start tonight, and fortunately we managed to score the goals to qualify."
Villa then spoke of the confidence flowing through the Barca team after such a heroic victory, as the Catalan side overturned Milan's two-goal edge from the first leg and kept a clean sheet.
"The fans were always behind us, they always trusted us," Villa added. "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 quarterfinals."
Alba echoed Villa's thoughts, believing that a continuation of the club's intensity and form is vital to its fight toward European glory.
"This was a very important victory for us," Alba told reporters. "We were very good defensively and going forward. We knew exactly how to play this game tonight.
"We will look to continue with the same intensity in the next round."
Liverpool midfielder Allen to miss three months after shoulder operation
The ex-Swansea City man will be sidelined for a while after he undergoes surgery but is hoping to make a big impact when he returns after being plagued by the problem.
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has confirmed that he will be sidelined for three months when he undergoes shoulder surgery.
The 22-year-old Allen arrived from Swansea City last summer for 15 million pounds, but he revealed much of his debut season at Anfield has been spent battling a shoulder problem.
"It requires another operation which is always a bitter blow, but these things happen in football unfortunately and it'll keep me out for around three months when I do get the operation done," Allen told Sky Sports News.
He also stated he is unsure of a possible date for the surgery, adding: "I'm not sure to be honest, that's something that's being decided. I'll have to wait and see what comes of it.
"I'm not looking to use it as an excuse. It has been something that's deteriorated recently, and it has got to the stage unfortunately where an operation is all that can sort of resolve it.
"I'm looking forward to getting it done, get that behind me and moving on from there really."
While Allen admits playing with an injury is not ideal, he believes footballers carry a host of niggles during a campaign.
"Yeah it's not an ideal situation but like I say, there are players carrying injuries throughout a season, that's part and parcel of the game I think and you come to expect it to a degree," Allen said.
The ex-Swansea City man will be sidelined for a while after he undergoes surgery but is hoping to make a big impact when he returns after being plagued by the problem.
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has confirmed that he will be sidelined for three months when he undergoes shoulder surgery.
The 22-year-old Allen arrived from Swansea City last summer for 15 million pounds, but he revealed much of his debut season at Anfield has been spent battling a shoulder problem.
"It requires another operation which is always a bitter blow, but these things happen in football unfortunately and it'll keep me out for around three months when I do get the operation done," Allen told Sky Sports News.
He also stated he is unsure of a possible date for the surgery, adding: "I'm not sure to be honest, that's something that's being decided. I'll have to wait and see what comes of it.
"I'm not looking to use it as an excuse. It has been something that's deteriorated recently, and it has got to the stage unfortunately where an operation is all that can sort of resolve it.
"I'm looking forward to getting it done, get that behind me and moving on from there really."
While Allen admits playing with an injury is not ideal, he believes footballers carry a host of niggles during a campaign.
"Yeah it's not an ideal situation but like I say, there are players carrying injuries throughout a season, that's part and parcel of the game I think and you come to expect it to a degree," Allen said.
Manchester United legend Robson urges Welbeck to add more goals to his game
The club icon backed the forward to become the complete package if he can be more clinical in front of goal after netting just twice for the club so far this season.
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has called on Danny Welbeck to score more goals in order to take his game to the next level.
Welbeck started both of United’s Champions League ties against Real Madrid, scoring in the Bernabeu and then getting the nod over Wayne Rooney for the second leg at Old Trafford. While Robson has praised the England international, he believes the forward, who has just two goals to his name this season, needs to find the back of the net more often.
"A few of the younger lads have progressed really well this season but it was a measure of how well Danny has come on that the boss put him in the team ahead of Wayne Rooney last week.
"That was such a big decision but Danny has all the attributes you need, apart from being a natural finisher.
"The good thing about it is that is an area you can work on and improve. And I know Danny will do that because he is a keen lad with such a great mentality towards the game."
The 56-year-old Robson also downplayed speculation of a rift between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rooney following the forward’s omission from the starting XI to face Real Madrid.
"It was a tactical decision, that is all. At big clubs they happen all the time and players have to abide by them," Robson said. "I realize the suggestion afterwards is that the boss has run out of patience with Wayne, but I don't think that is the case at all.
"Purely and simply, he was trying to find the best way of getting into the next round and, but for one decision by the referee, I am sure it would have worked."
The club icon backed the forward to become the complete package if he can be more clinical in front of goal after netting just twice for the club so far this season.
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has called on Danny Welbeck to score more goals in order to take his game to the next level.
Welbeck started both of United’s Champions League ties against Real Madrid, scoring in the Bernabeu and then getting the nod over Wayne Rooney for the second leg at Old Trafford. While Robson has praised the England international, he believes the forward, who has just two goals to his name this season, needs to find the back of the net more often.
"A few of the younger lads have progressed really well this season but it was a measure of how well Danny has come on that the boss put him in the team ahead of Wayne Rooney last week.
"That was such a big decision but Danny has all the attributes you need, apart from being a natural finisher.
"The good thing about it is that is an area you can work on and improve. And I know Danny will do that because he is a keen lad with such a great mentality towards the game."
The 56-year-old Robson also downplayed speculation of a rift between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rooney following the forward’s omission from the starting XI to face Real Madrid.
"It was a tactical decision, that is all. At big clubs they happen all the time and players have to abide by them," Robson said. "I realize the suggestion afterwards is that the boss has run out of patience with Wayne, but I don't think that is the case at all.
"Purely and simply, he was trying to find the best way of getting into the next round and, but for one decision by the referee, I am sure it would have worked."
Heynckes: Arsenal will try 'everything'
The boss of the Bundesliga leader says his side will have to be at the top of its game as its opponent has the ability to overturn the two-goal deficit
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes does not think his team’s Champions League tie with Arsenal is over as he has great respect for Arsene Wenger and is convinced the Gunners will try "everything" to get themselves back in it.
Die Roten won the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates with goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic, but Heynckes insists the Gunners have the ability to turn it around if his side is not at its best and alluded to the Gunners' near-incredible comeback against AC Milan at San Siro last year.
"We played excellent in the first leg. I know by experience you have to give 100 per cent all the time in this competition,” he told reporters. "This is the Champions League, and Arsenal are not just any club. I know and respect [Arsene] Wenger. And I know Arsenal will try everything.
"Arsenal lost 4-0 to Milan in the first leg and won the return leg 3-0. Based on chances it should have ended 4-0."Bayern will be without Frank Ribery, who picked up an injury in the weekend’s win over Dusseldorf as Heynckes does not want to take any unnecessary risks with the star Frenchman.
He added: "Right after the game on Saturday, I knew he most likely would not play. He stretched ligaments.“It is not a major injury. He should return to training on Thursday and we will take from there. We will not risk anything."
They will also have Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng missing through suspension, although the coach believes his squad can cope with their absence.
Heynckes said: "With Luiz Gustavo, Javi Martinez and Toni Kroos we have three very different players that match well."
The boss of the Bundesliga leader says his side will have to be at the top of its game as its opponent has the ability to overturn the two-goal deficit
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes does not think his team’s Champions League tie with Arsenal is over as he has great respect for Arsene Wenger and is convinced the Gunners will try "everything" to get themselves back in it.
Die Roten won the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates with goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic, but Heynckes insists the Gunners have the ability to turn it around if his side is not at its best and alluded to the Gunners' near-incredible comeback against AC Milan at San Siro last year.
"We played excellent in the first leg. I know by experience you have to give 100 per cent all the time in this competition,” he told reporters. "This is the Champions League, and Arsenal are not just any club. I know and respect [Arsene] Wenger. And I know Arsenal will try everything.
"Arsenal lost 4-0 to Milan in the first leg and won the return leg 3-0. Based on chances it should have ended 4-0."Bayern will be without Frank Ribery, who picked up an injury in the weekend’s win over Dusseldorf as Heynckes does not want to take any unnecessary risks with the star Frenchman.
He added: "Right after the game on Saturday, I knew he most likely would not play. He stretched ligaments.“It is not a major injury. He should return to training on Thursday and we will take from there. We will not risk anything."
They will also have Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng missing through suspension, although the coach believes his squad can cope with their absence.
Heynckes said: "With Luiz Gustavo, Javi Martinez and Toni Kroos we have three very different players that match well."
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