LAST NIGHT'S 90 MINUTES OF EXCITEMENT: THE CLASSIC THAT WILL LEAD TO ANOTHER

"We live for moments such as these."

That was the sentiment of many football lovers around the world. Not many predicted correctly the outcome of yesterday's highly anticipated face-off in the UEFA Champions League clash in the round of 16 at the San Siro between AC Milan and FC Barcelona.

Prior to the match, many assumed that Barca's current invincibility in recent times would translate to a victory or at the very least, a draw to properly position them to go for the jugular at the second leg at the Nou Camp. However that was not to be owing to the fact that the Barca on display last night were properly tamed by the sound tactics of Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri and the doggedness and discipline of the Rossoneri.

Even worse for the Catalans was the unbelievable inability of Super Lionel Messi to pull out the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. The world's best footballer was oddly unable to string the sublime passes he is well known for and on many occasions, carelessly lost possession of the ball. In fact, an astute observer commented, he was invisible rather than invincible.

The heroes of the night were the Ghanian duo of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Al Muntari; both ex-players of now relegated English side Portsmouth. Kevin-Prince Boateng opened the score sheet in the second half under highly controversial circumstances after an apparent handball by teammate Cristian Zapata in the buildup, and Sulley Al Muntari finished off a beautiful counter attack to score the final goal within nine minutes to full time, sealing off a well deserved victory for the Rossoneri.

The San Siro was alight with disbelief and jubilation and reached a crescendo when Barca simply could not even get as much as an away goal to salvage the situation. Not to in anyway take away the shine from Milan who have got a more impressive Champions League resume of winning the title 7 times in contrast FC Barcelona's 4, the form of the latter in recent times bolstered by the presence of arguably one of the greatest players ever to grace the game, many thought Milan stood no chance.

This upset has paved way for an even more exciting second-leg rematch at the Nou Camp in three weeks time. The Catalans will go into that match with the awareness that nothing short of two goals and a clean sheet will revive their chances of survival at this year's competition. A source of worry for them will be their disturbing inability at keeping clean sheets which has been manifest this season. AC Milan will hopefully be sporting a stronger side as many key players were out injured or may just have stumbled upon the right formula to neutralize the rampaging attack force of Barcelona and stick to the tactics that delivered them the victory at the San Siro yesterday.

Still, it would be unwise to write off Barcelona. They have won only three of their last 14 Champions League knockout games away from home and it is expected that Lionel Messi will bounce back from yesterday's dismal display and carry the team as he has done in time past. Whatever the case, soccer lovers are in for one hell of a show in the coming weeks!

Malcolm O. Ifi is on twitter @saymalcolm
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.