Barca overcame the Champions of England. They overcame the tough challenge of Benfica. They have now overcome the soon to be crowned Italian Champions.

The game saw a lot of chances in the first half, specially early. Eto’o got two easy chances and Shevchenko got a fairly easy chance as well. On another day, versus another opposition, Barcelona or Milan could easily have been 2-0 up going into the second half. However, this was not just another game. Even the seasoned professionals showed that after all they are pretty much human.

Barca dominated possession in both halfs, as usual. As the clock ticked, Milan’s frustration to score at least one goal grew. Time ran out on Milan in the end. The neutrals watching may have found the second half a bit boring. Make no mistake though, that we, the Barca fans, were getting delirious with each moment. Could an Inzhaghi like heartbreak occur? Not this time.

We are into the Champions League finals!!! It looks like the best team will, indeed, win the Champions League for once, for a change as we kick some Arse! It does setup an intriguing final. Can the Barcelona attack penetrate the strong Arsenal defense? How will Barcelona restrict Henry and the chances they do give oppositions at times? For Henry is one player who would take the chances which come his way.

A lot will be at stake for Arsenal. Barcelona cannot afford to let the Champions League away this time. It would be the first step towards greatness for Barca. All of England, Spain, the multitudes of Barcelona and Arsenal fans and the rest of the world will have their eyes set in Paris in 20 days. It is going to be one hell of a party.

No team has defeated Barca at the Nou Camp in three years in European competition since Rijkaard took over. No team has come off a 1-0 trail in a Champions League semi final. From the FCB site:

Since the Champions League adopted its present format in the 1992-93 season, only one team - Ajax in 1995-96 - has managed to overturn an adverse result from the first home leg of the semi-finals.

History is in Barca’s side. Very strong stats. But stats matter little when Barcelona play a strong Milan side.

Forget the injury talk. Forget every thing else. When the match starts, it is going to be tough and competitive. Game 1 was not wasy with Milan having a lot of chances. They panicked a bit in the second half. However, they are unlikely to in the second leg today. So, it is going to be a very good battle and Barcelona will definitely have to earn the Champions League spot with a very good performance.

This is either going to be very special or a heartbreaking experience.

Sky Sport’s Phil Thompson believes that every thing suggests towards a Barcelona win. I see it similarly but cannot help but feel very itchy as the game draws closer.

Ludovic Giuly, like he usually does, maximised the clean Ronaldinho pass to score and gave Barcelona the crucial 1-0 lead in the 57th minute. Reports BBC: