Barcelona 0-1 AC Milan: Three Things We Learned

AC Milan‘s 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League group stage match has left many football fans stunned. The match, which took place on October 22, 2013, saw the Rossoneri secure a crucial three points that could potentially help them advance to the next round of the competition. Here are three key takeaways from the match:

1. Milan’s Solid Defense

One of the most impressive aspects of Milan’s performance was their solid defense. The Rossoneri’s backline, which consisted of Mattia De Sciglio, Philippe Mexes, Daniele Bonera, and Kevin Constant, managed to keep Barcelona‘s potent attack at bay for the entire 90 minutes. Mexes, in particular, was outstanding, making several crucial interceptions and clearances throughout the match. Milan’s defensive solidity was a key factor in their victory, as it allowed them to absorb Barcelona‘s pressure and hit the Blaugrana on the counter-attack.

2. Kaká‘s Return to Form

Another significant aspect of Milan’s victory was the return to form of Brazilian midfielder Kaká. The 31-year-old, who re-signed with Milan in the summer after spending four years at Real Madrid, scored the winning goal in the 31st minute. Kaká‘s strike was a testament to his growing influence on the team, as he has been instrumental in Milan’s recent resurgence. His ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been crucial for the Rossoneri, and his goal against Barcelona was a fitting reward for his hard work.

3. Barcelona‘s Lack of Depth

Barcelona‘s defeat to Milan highlighted the Blaugrana’s lack of depth in certain areas of the pitch. With several key players, including Lionel Messi, out injured, Barcelona struggled to create scoring opportunities against Milan’s solid defense. The absence of Messi, in particular, was felt, as the Argentine forward is often the catalyst for Barcelona‘s attack. Without him, the Blaugrana lacked the cutting edge needed to break down Milan’s defense and secure a victory. This lack of depth could be a major concern for Barcelona as they continue their Champions League campaign.

Read more about the match on UEFA’s official website