European heavyweights Barcelona and AC Milan square off at the Camp Nou this evening, in a fixture which holds plenty of significance for Italian football.

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When Barcelona and AC Milan were paired alongside one another in the Round of 16 in this season’s UEFA Champions League, one would not have been criticised for pencilling the Spanish champions in to progress to the quarter-finals. How very wrong they were!

Despite losing star players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to PSG, Alexandre Pato to Corinthians, and a whole host of former club stalwarts in Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Gianluca Zambrotta and Pippo Inzaghi, the Italian club incredibly pulled off a memorable 2-0 victory against Barca in the first leg just a few weeks ago.

It has been well noted that Italian football has taken a slide since the Calciopoli scandal that rocked the game back in 2006, which has resulted in Serie A’s fall down the UEFA Coefficient rankings to fourth, behind the German Bundesliga that now occupy third.

While the Italian topflight is currently closer to slipping even further down the standings than reclaiming the all-important third position, tonight’s contest provides the competition with a massive opportunity to claim a scalp and start working their way back to where many believe they belong.

Gone are the days of Nesta and Zambrotta commanding the back four; Seedorf and Gattuso dictating play in midfield, and Inzaghi scoring at will up front; so it will be up to the new, current crop of Milan players to make their mark on the proud club, and complete what has been a remarkable turnaround this season.

The Rossoneri endured their worst start in over 80 years to a Serie A season following the departure of so many key players, and while some pessimists were fearing the worst in 2012-13, the proud club have united and produced a remarkable resurgence.

Success at the Camp Nou tonight will prove that not only the club, but also Italian football is well and truly back on the rise. While it will be a long process, the Milanese outfit will have all of Italy on their side, as they aim to prevent Barca from advancing to the final eight of the competition for the first time in a long time.

So while an AC Milan triumph won’t reclaim that all-important fourth UEFA Champions League qualifying position for Italy’s Serie A, it will definitely be a solid step in the right direction.

Can Milan maintain their lead over Barcelona and progress to the quarter-finals? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below…

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Love them or hate them, Italy's AC Milan sent a warning out to their Champions League rivals, declaring that it is a wide open race in this the 2012-13 campaign...

Many believed that the upcoming AC Milan-Barcelona tie was going to be yet another routine triumph for the La Liga giants. How terribly wrong they were!

At the half way mark, the Italians have an impressive two goal advantage and have a host of key players set to return from injury. Their opponents meanwhile have no away goals to their name - a factor which undoubtedly will have a massive impact in the second leg in three weeks time.

Advantage Milan

Milan have given themselves a massive opportunity to eliminate the favourites for this year's title. Despite many not giving them much hope, the Rossoneri stuck to their game plan, and quite deservingly came away with a two goal triumph.

There was no doubt that the Italian giants needed a stroke of luck on the night, and they certainly were on the receiving end there, particularly when the referee failed to identify Cristian Zapata's unintentional handball, which proved to be the assist for Kevin Prince Boateng's opening goal. Sulley Muntari made no mistake with the second for the hosts.

The key element to Massimiliano Allegri's success however must go down to their organisation and commitment to closing down Barca's weapons - all 11 players including Victor Valdes. Lionel Messi was a shadow of himself, Cesc Fabregas was arguably the worst player on the park, Xavi struggled to find space on the ball, while Pedro, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets also failed to impose themselves on the game.

Milan's efforts were as good a team performance as you will see in Europe's premier competition, so despite many of Barcelona's stars failing to fire, credit must be given to Allegri and his players.

Key players to return

Despite being without star new signing Mario Balotelli at the San Siro, the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini and Boateng were absolutely brilliant over the 90 minutes, which was certainly a pleasing sign for the Rossoneri tifosi, who can rest a little easier now knowing that their future hopes are not solely pinned on the form of the former Manchester City man, who has scored four goals in three games since joining the club.

While Balotelli is cup-tied, and therefore ineligible to play in this season's Champions League, Milan do have a number of key players still to return. Having sold two of the world's best players in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva in the summer, as well as losing a whole host of verterans, including Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Filippo Inzaghi, and so on; it is absolutely incredible to think that after a shock 2-0 win over Barcelona that this Milan team can actually improve further.

Italy international Antonio Nocerino and French team-mate Mathieu Flamini both failed to pass late fitness tests, however should both be fit for the return leg. While Sulley Muntari put in a starring performance at the San Siro, the Ghanaian is not known for his consistency, meaning Nocerino should take his place in the upcoming fixture. Irrespective of who plays though, Allegri will be thrilled to add some depth to his squad, for what arguably will be the biggest test of his Rossoneri career.

In addition to the midfield duo, the experienced Brazilian Robinho is still to make a return, the under performing yet very talented Bojan, who failed to feature against his former club can also add some spark, while having featured as a substitute in the first leg, M'Baye Niang proved that he will be a star of the future.

Away goals to decide the tie?

Barcelona's failure to score will prove to be their undoing in the second leg. Although emerging with a result at the Camp Nou has never been an easy task, the Rossoneri have achieved that feat in the past 12 months. Adding to this, should the Italians score one goal in the second leg - keeping in mind that Barcelona have been quite leaky at the back all season - then the Catalans will need to score a whopping four!

Now I am not saying that the likes of Messi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Pedro and co aren't capable of doing that, however if the Italians defend half as well as they did at home, then that should be enough to avoid conceding four.

For those that are questioning how the system works: If Milan lose 3-1 in Spain, the overall aggregate will finish Milan 3-3 Barcelona, however having scored more away goals (one to zero), the Rossoneri will advance to the final eight of the competition.

Challengers

So what does this mean for the challengers? Despite not being the reigning champions, Barca have been touted as favourites for the continental title in the past five seasons, and this time around is no different.

However with teams such as Bayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United all firing, surely this result proves that the race for the title is wide open. It's very difficult to pick a favourite at this point, however from the four teams just mentioned we know for sure that one will definitely be eliminated (Real Madrid or Manchester United), and barring a miracle, the other two are through to the quarter-finals.

Irrespective of their impressive result at the San Siro, the seven-time European champions AC Milan do still need to avoid a heavy defeat at the Camp Nou in a few weeks time, which as we all know, is much easier said than done. So there is still work to do for Allegri's men, but they have sent out a serious warning to the rest of the competition.

Can Barcelona overcome the deficit at home and defeat Milan by three goals? Can the Italians go on to win the tournament? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think...

With one foot in the quarter-finals, SoccerAnchor chief Adrian Del Monte argues that the Bianconeri could be destined for big things in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League.

‘We beat Barcelona, so Juventus are in for a difficult evening.’ These were the thoughts of the Celtic players, coaching staff and supporters in the lead up to the club’s crucial first leg tie with the Italian champions in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

What eventuated was completely unexpected for The Celts faithful – a severe 3-0 defeat, leaving them with little to no hope at all of progressing further in the competition.

While much can be said about Celtic’s missed opportunities, particularly in the opening period, credit must be given to Antonio Conte’s men for yet another scintillating performance.

In front of a packed house at Celtic Park, the Bianconeri fortunately opened the scoring on three minutes through Alessandro Matri. Two second half strikes to the always impressive Claudio Marchisio, and the Montenegrin Mirko Vucinic, killed off any hope Neil Lennon’s side had.

Despite the result itself, the fashion in which the Old Lady achieved the feat was equally as significant. Having been outplayed for so much of the opening hour, Conte’s men stuck to their game and deservedly came away with a result.

They’re back

2013 will mark the first time in seven years that Juventus return to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition. Yes that’s right, not since 2006 have the most successful club in Italian history been amongst the continent’s best eight clubs. Massimo Moratti and Inter Milan can be thanked for that.

Nevertheless, while the team is unrecognisable from that tie with Arsenal, this time around the Bianconeri are as well balanced and positioned as ever to achieve great things.

While Martin Caceres and Federico Peluso certainly held their own at Celtic Park, Giorgio Chiellini and Kwadwo Asamoah are almost certain to return in the duo’s place in the latter stages of the competition, when they return to full fitness.

Not much is expected of the Frenchman, but Nicolas Anelka was signed by the club in order to add a cool experienced head, particularly for this competition. Having made a brief cameo debut in Glasgow, the former Chelsea man will grow with every performance in the black and white, and could prove to be a decent addition.

And of course, don’t forget to include a pair of the safest hands in the game – Gigi Buffon. The Harry Houdini of world football – Andrea Pirlo. As well as a couple of the hardest working midfielders in Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, and you have a recipe for success.

What next?

So what next? It clearly isn’t assured just yet, but it is very likely that Juve will find themselves in the final eight of the competition. Obviously the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich will pose a serious threat to all, but being paired alongside an under par Real Madrid, a leaky Manchester United, or an inconsistent PSG shouldn’t pose too much of a concern for the Bianconeri.

Keeping in mind that Celtic had only lost twice in their past 23 home fixtures in the Champions League – both of which were against Barcelona, Juventus have achieved a rare feat amongst Europe’s elite. So are they destined for glory in 2013?

How far can Juventus go in the UEFA Champions League this season? Can they win the competition? Let us know what you think below...

Chelsea became champions of Europe for the first time in Munich in incredible fashion as the Blues held their nerve after being completely outplayed for large periods of the game.

Didier Drogba managed a theatrical ending to the game and probably his Chelsea career as he scored late into normal time and with the last kick of the ball in the shootout to send the fans, the players, the manager and the owner into Blue heaven.

"It was [fate]," said the 34-year-old, whose penalty clinched Chelsea's victory "I believe a lot in destiny. I pray a lot. It was written a long time ago. God is wonderful. This team is amazing. "I'm very happy. Life is fantastic."

Stand in Captain Frank Lampard admits that securing the Holy Grail for the first time, means everything to him and the club.

"It means everything – we have been trying to do this for so many years now. This is the one we really wanted and we have got it. I cannot believe it. The determination we have shown has been unbelievable. We did not play fantastically well but the main man Didier Drogba dug us out of trouble there,”

Lampard was quick to shower words of glowing praise on the match winner Didier Drogba as he labelled the Ivorian as a ‘Hero’.

"He is a hero and without him we would not be here. He scores the goals in the big games.I would love him to stay. What he did tonight is what he has been doing all through his career."

However, Lampard refused to comment on the future of the interim manager, Roberto Di Matteo.

"It is not a question for this moment. He took us from a struggling team maybe going out of the Champions League and now we have won it, so just look at that. I am still lost for words. We should have probably lost the game with the amount of chances they had. We rode our luck, but you need luck in this competition if you are going to win it. Today we rode our luck but we deserved it."

Chelsea's suspended captain John Terry described the win as the best moment of his career.

"This is an incredible feeling, I've waited eight or nine years for this moment and it wipes out all those bad memories from this competition. It's 100 percent the top moment in my career. In the past we've been knocked out in the last minute, lost on penalties to Manchester United in the 2008 final and twice we lost to Liverpool in the semi-finals but this victory takes a big weight off everyone's shoulders," added Terry.

"I can live with the fact I didn't play because we have won. That's all that matters to me because I care so much about this football club."

Terry claims to have had faith that his team could land the Champions League trophy for the first time.

"You look back at the Napoli game in the first knockout round when we were 3-1 down from the first leg," he said. "Everyone wrote us off but I believed in us and within the squad we all believed in each other. It's great we've got so many big players for big occasions, players like Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech. It's great to see us win the trophy I think we have deserved, to see the smile that was on owner Roman Abramovich's face after the game and to see the fans at the end. We've won the Champions League and the FA Cup this season so we we'll go down as the best ever team in Chelsea's history and that's incredible."

The Chelsea captain also felt that Roberto Di Matteo should be made the permanent boss after the Italian’s incredible cup success.

“Robbie has been fantastic since he came in,” he said. “You look at that trophy. That’s certainly what we’ve been waiting for, what the owner’s been waiting for, what the owner was in tears for.”

“He’s strived for this; he’s pumped an awful lot of money into this football club trying to achieve that. Tonight we’ve done that and Robbie deserves a lot of credit for that.”

“He’s been fantastic. He can’t do any more than he’s done. To win the FA Cup and the Champions League, he can’t do more than that.”

Frank Lampard, the captain on the night, added: “He took us from a struggling team maybe going out of the Champions League and we won it, so look at that.”

Di Matteo hailed his team’s spirit, saying: “We have a group of players that have a big heart, passion, motivation and desire. That was the only way to be able to achieve this trophy.

“It’s been an immense effort by the whole group - staff, players - and we are very happy tonight. Bayern is a good team and when they scored there was not much time left. Games like this need passion and players who rise to the occasion. We’ve got a lot of players like that, who have done it before and did it against today.”

As for Drogba, Di Matteo said: “He’s been incredible for this club. He scored a fantastic goal tonight to keep us in the game, then the winning penalty as well.”

Di Matteo, who took over from Andre Villas-Boas at the start of March, said: “It’s been an incredible three months, demanding and challenging for everybody.”

John Obi Mikel, the midfielder, said: “This is the best night of our lives - we’ve worked all season for this.”

Ashley Cole, the left back who had a fantastic game added: “I’m lost for words. We should have probably lost the game with the amount of chances they had,” he said. “We rode our luck - you need luck in this competition if you’re going to win it. Today we rode our luck but we deserved it today.”

Gary Cahill who joined Chelsea in January has already won two pieces of silverware with the London club also having claimed the FA Cup. “I thought the lads were tremendous today,” he said. “They really dug in and showed that spirit that they have showed in the previous games.”

Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo seemed reluctant to discuss about his future at the London club next season.

“The first thing I want is to go on holiday because these past months haven’t been easy,” Di Matteo said. “But it’s not important. Whatever the club decides, we respect that. I’m not going to disclose [the content of his conversations with Abramovich]. All I know is that he looked very happy tonight because it’s a historic night for our football club.”

Didier Drogba, who is out of contract in the summer, also seemed to concentrate more on the moment and less on his future.

“The most important thing today is not my future,” he said. “The most important thing is what we achieved today. We gave everything. I don’t know if we’ve got enough energy left to party tonight. But it’s the best feeling ever.”

“Today is a great day for the club, for the players, for our fans. I’m just really happy. I don’t know if there are enough words to describe how I feel right now. The only thing I know is that I’m smiling.”