Barcelona's season could be determined on Tuesday when it hosts AC Milan in the second leg of the Champions League 2013 Round of 16.
After losing the first round 2-0, Barcelona must win by at least three goals to secure passage. However, the team faces a major challenge in a Milan as it is likely that the Italian side will play a defensive game to protect the 2-0 advantage.
"We want to try to get through against Milan: not to shut people's mouths but because we're ambitious and I am convinced that we can. The pitch will be perfect, the grass short and wet, we're in front of our fans. There are no excuses," said defender Gerard Pique. "We will have to open the pitch out as much as we can. It's a big pitch and we have to take advantage of that; we have to move the ball very quickly."
He added, "With the players we have up front I trust 100% that we will have many, many chances on goal. We have to pressure high up the pitch and hopefully we can get an early goal - but you never know."
Milan knows that the game will not be an easy task. "We have much to lose but a lot to gain. We are in a positive situation, though, in my opinion this tie is still rated at 50-50," said AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. "Last year we beat Arsenal 4-0 and we were close to being knocked out in the second leg," he added. After winning the first leg in the Round of 16, Milan lost 3-0 against Arsenal.
"Barcelona will take hold of this game like Arsenal did, but our main weapon is the counterattack. We have the grit between our teeth and are ready for any situation," he added.
Prediction: Barcelona wins 2-1.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
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