Terra

Milan accomplished a shocking 2-0 win in San Siro over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match.

Goals in the second half from Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari gave the home team the victory as Lionel Messi failed to shine under the pressure of the Milan defense.

Milan had some of the best options of the first half via Kevin Prince-Boateng in the 15th minute, looping it just wide and various one on ones on the counter by Stephan El Shaarawy

With time, the pace of the game slowed down with Barcelona focusing on possession, lulling both the fans and A.C Milan to sleep. Neither team had clear scoring opportunities in the first half, with Milan content to settle back and Barcelona unable to break through in the attacking third.

The controversial opener came via Prince-Boateng in the 56th minute to make the score 1-0 for Milan on what was a clear hand ball from Cristian Zapata to give the ball to Boateng alone in front of goal to finish.

The goal helped to open up the game, with the Italian team more willing to press forward and Barcelona showing a greater urgency in their play.

Milan's confidence grew in the second half, with Barcelona looking sluggish and without vision in their attack throughout the second half.

The best opportunity for Barcelona came on a long distance shot by Andres Iniesta from outside the box that went just wide of the goal.

Foto: Getty Images

Milan showed Barcelona what jogo bonito really looks like in their second goal, with a superb assist from El Shaarawy for Muntari to finish on the left post in the 81st post for the 2-0.

Puyol had a clear shot to cut the lead in the 84th as he found a header alone in front of goal but it went feet wide of goal.

The second leg of the series will be played in Camp Nou on March 3.