Barcelona vs. AC Milan: David Villa Will Be Key for Barca in UCL Comeback

As we saw in the first leg, Milan's ability to set up their defense well and not allow Barcelona to penetrate that was fundamental to their success. Sulley Muntari did a brilliant job on Xavi and by cutting off the supply to Messi, forced the Blaugrana into a less-than-inspired attacking performance.
The Italian powerhouse will no doubt be looking to do the same again here—controlling the middle part of the field by cluttering it with defenders. And for Barcelona to triumph over that, their best chance is to get Villa into the action at the top of the attack.
Messi is a brilliant dribbler and finisher, as well all know, but he is at his best when he is tracking back into the attacking midfield side of things. He is not best when he is the furthest man in attack, rather, when someone else is further down the field than him.
Even his most recent goal (coming off the bench as a substitute) against Deportivo showed this to be true. Messi was able to pick up the ball, find the space and then work his mastery through the Spanish defense for the game-clinching goal to add to his incredible tally.