PLAYER RATING (AC MILAN 2 - BARCELONA 0) with .jpg

Player Ratings: AC Milan 2-0 Barcelona

Goal.com was on hand to cast a critical eye over events at San Siro, where the hosts scored twice in the second half to complete a smash and grab European victory

3.67

606

50

• 
  26

  5

  Christian Abbiati

  Barely a save to make as his defence did all of the hard work in keeping Barca at bay.
• 
  19

  1

  Philippe Mexes

  A rock at the back alongside Zapata as he made a number of key defensive plays, not least a risky header to clear a threatening Alba cross. But like his central defensive partner, the sheer number of Barcelona players in his half meant that he was not always able to release the ball out of defence in a safe manner.
• 
  20

  12

  Cristian Zapata

  Read the game exceptionally well to cut out a number of attacks inside the penalty area, but, having won back the ball, he often lacked for passing options and therefore invited pressure right back onto his team.
• 
  26

  4

  Ignazio Abate

  Came off the better in a few tussles with Iniesta, and even managed to break forward with purpose once or twice throughout the game. An accomplished display from the full back.
• 
  39

  4

  Kevin-Prince Boateng

  Ostensibly listed as Milan’s most advanced midfielder, but he was forced almost into an anchorman role at times, such was Barca’s dominance of the ball. However, he would come up trumps at the offensive end though, slotting home a controversial opener with aplomb from the edge of the box.
• 
  26

  3

  Riccardo Montolivo

  As committed and concentrated off the ball as the rest of the midfield, and was one of the few Rossoneri to do a good job holding onto the ball to maintain what little possession they had.
• 
  23

  1

  Kevin Constant

  Marked Pedro completely out of the game, and was often found tracking infield to provide another body on Messi. Excellent display at the back.
• 
  19

  5

  Massimo Ambrosini

  Absolutely ran his socks off throughout, refusing to abandon his defensive positioning as he functioned almost as an auxiliary centre-back at times. A key cog in a fantastic defensive effort.
• 
  32

  2

  Sulley Ali Muntari

  A standout performer in both halves of the field, as he closed down diligently in front of his defence, before popping up at the other end of the pitch to finish a counterattack for the second goal.
• 
  16

  6

  Giampaolo Pazzini

  One clever flick freed El Shaarawy for an early chance, but provided little in the way of a goal threat, as he was completely starved of meaningful service.
• 
  35

  5

  Stephan El Shaarawy Top of the Match

  A poor first touch ruined what could have been a great early chance, but his pace on and off the ball was the most potent offensive weapon for Milan throughout the game. He kept the defence honest, and when leading the counterattacking charge late in the game, set up Muntari for a crucial second.

Substitutions

• 
  22

  3

  M'Baye Niang

  An inspired presence off the bench, as he set the events of Milan's second goal in motion with some good defensive work and a quick burst forward.

Barcelona

2.33

126

333

• 
  6

  14

  Víctor Valdés

  Could not be blamed for either of Milan's goals, and was a spectator for most of the game.
• 
  3

  11

  Daniel Alves

  Spent the vast majority of his time camped deep in the Milan half, but most of his deliveries into the box were cut out by the defence. His willingness to attack left him out of position for an early run through on goal for El Shaarawy.
• 
  3

  12

  Piqué

  Showed good anticipation to step in front of the defensive line and make a few interceptions. Not always the most busy customer at the back, but did what he had to do with little fuss.
• 
  2

  12

  Carles Puyol

  Unconvincing during the opening minutes as he was beaten in a pair of challenges, and that trend manifested itself throughout the game as the pace of Milan on the break caught him out for the second goal.
• 
  4

  9

  Jordi Alba

  Much like Alves on the opposite flank, the Spaniard was rarely tested defensively, but despite his advanced positioning on the left, struggled to really get past a determined rear-guard effort from the home side.
• 
  2

  17

  Cesc Fàbregas Flop of the Match

  Completely short of ideas when in possession, as he often coughed up the ball when faced by a crowd of opposition players. Hauled off in the second half after an utterly ineffective offensive showing.
• 
  7

  8

  Xavi

  As expected, he dictated the tempo by spraying the ball left, right and centre, but he could not quite find that killer pass to unlock the defence as Milan’s numbers at the back held firm.
• 
  4

  11

  Andrés Iniesta Luján

  His excellent ball retention in tight areas was a key weapon for Barca to keep possession deep in the Milan half, but he was not able to conjure up many special moments as he was forced to mostly play it safe.
• 
  3

  9

  Busquets

  Really should have kept his concentration better when Milan broke forward, as he was nowhere to be found when Muntari, the man he should have been tracking, stole in to score the second.
• 
  11

  31

  Lionel Messi

  Try as he might, the Argentine could not weave his usual magic with the ball, as he was swarmed by red and black shirts whenever he got on the ball in the opposition half. He was generally a good bet to beat the first man, but the sheer number of players between him and the goal meant that he was eventually stifled.
• 
  5

  13

  Pedro

  As tightly marked as Iniesta and Messi, but lacked the overt quality of the pair to hold onto the ball for long. Very anonymous at times in the attacking third.

Substitutions

• 
  3

  15

  Alexis Sánchez

  His woeful form continued with another jittery, mistake-riddled display in attack. Looks a shadow of the player he once was.

  
  

   

   

  
  

  18 awas wey don pass

  18 awas wey don pass