Rossoneri reaffirm democracy in football

It was almost like water turning into wine. At least that’s what the media and majority of the football fraternity exclaimed; except for the diehard Milanistas and the overtly optimistic Massimiliano Allegri, who was perhaps the sole person to firmly believe that his side could win the tie against Barcelona.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Kevin Prince Boateng and Cristian Abbiati (L) of AC Milan celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between AC Milan and Barcelona

Barcelona were beaten and that too in a convincing manner in the first leg by a supposedly average Milan side. The worst part of it was the way Milan were portrayed going into the build up to this tie. Such was the hype surrounding the Catalans’ aesthetic brand of football and the almost super-human Leo Messi, that even before the kick-off the tie was rubber-stamped by football experts as a walk in the park for Barcelona.

European heavyweights AC Milan – of all sides – were not even type-casted as potential banana skin. It is true that AC Milan are a shadow of their former self and have underperformed in Serie A this season. The club’s transition to a new generation of players is a big reason for this. Inspite of that, the side has shown incredible resolve of character to lie third in the table after a woeful start, which saw them losing five of their opening ten league games.

Allegri, who was on his way to being sacked just a few months ago, has gone on to be a “master tactician” whose optimism and self-belief has given this young Milan side a great chance to advance to the quarters of the Champions League. Yes, the game at Camp Nou is to be played and Barca can be surreal on their day against anyone.

But you have to consider the fact that AC Milan, for all their deficiencies and inexperience, still have a talented bunch of players and as the Milanistas would claim, the Champions league is in their DNA. That’s true especially when it comes to matches against the best. The media, in the build up, simply ignored the fact that Milan are 7 time European champions only second to Madrid. They have had great teams down the years and are one of the great sides who have managed to defend their European crown. They did that in the seasons 1988-89 and 1989-90.

Although they were beaten by Barcelona in the quarterfinals last season, they had secured a 0-0 draw in Milan and then lost 3-1 at Camp Nou under inevitable controversy which surrounds heavyweight fixtures. Even in the group stages, they held Barca to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou and lost by the odd goal at the San Siro. Yet, this time around, all those games were left in oblivion as if Milan are some newcomers or have become whipping boys these days.

AC Milan have always had the European pedigree and the Italians are master tacticians. Barcelona may be the best but they have to learn to adapt. The way they played against Milan showcased complacency and pride. And you must have seen that coming, “Pride comes before the fall”. It surely is not the end of the Catalans. They have the firepower to overcome Milan, who have their own worrisome record of being at the wrong end of some famous comebacks.

To their credit, Milan showed once again that a team needs to play to its strength and the strength of its opponents to win. When it comes to attacking football, none can outsmart or outplay Barca’s tiki-taka. That’s proven. Therefore, the tactics change to keeping a double-walled defence with the help of the midfield and hitting them on the break with a pacey and technically gifted forward-line. Milan applied and executed that to perfection.

They did not have to “park the bus” because Allegri had smartly deduced to make sure that Barcelona’s possession remains fruitless and ineffective. People may not be a great fan of “park the bus” strategy but emergency-like circumstances call for it, especially when you are facing a side of unstoppable attacking quality.

Andres Iniesta was boxed out of the game

It may not always look pleasing to the eye, but teams play to win and they have to play according to their strength and the strength of their opponents. Jordi Roura is being immaturely bullish by stating that his side will surely go through. Barcelona have to be pragmatic and figure out a plan B before having any chance of qualifying to the next round. Moreover, they have to show some respect to their illustrious opponents and not succumb to overconfidence.

Yes, we all love to watch beautiful, free-flowing, artistic football. But defending is also an art which the Italians are masters at. It may be understated or un-glorified, even undignified for some; nonetheless, it forms an integral part of the game. Football is a beautiful game but beauty does not lie in perfection. It lies in maximizing one’s gifts and reaping the rewards.