AC Milan had a golden opportunity in the 16th minute when Stephan El Shaarawy raced down the left side into the Barcelona area. His run was undone by a really poor touch that allowed Carles Puyol to recover and clear the ball out for a corner. Kevin-Prince Boateng got some space on the corner and flicked the ball on just wide of the far post. Two good chances for Milan wasted.

Barcelona's first good chance on goal came in the 20th minute when Lionel Messi rolled a ball to Xavi who uncorked a curling shot from 30+ yards that was on target for the top left corner. Christian Abbiati saw the shot the whole way and make a nice catch, but it was a much closer chance in the end that it appeared it would be when it initially left Xavi's foot.

Philippe Mexes earned the first yellow card on the match in the 24th minute for a professional foul on Lionel Messi.

Still 60 minutes left to play but Massimiliano Allegri will likely be pleased with his team's performance so far.