Cool Messi punishes Milan lapses

Barcelona’s bid to become the first club to be crowned European champions in successive seasons in the Champions League era remains on track after Lionel Messi scored two first half penalties to lay the foundations of a convincing victory that secured the Catalan club’s impressive progress into the semi-finals.

Antonio Nocerino’s first half goal cancelled out Messi’s first spot-kick — his 50th goal in the competition — providing AC Milan with the momentary hope they might halt Barcelona’s progress to the last four but it was all too fleeting, and after Messi had converted again from 12 yards, after Alessandro Nesta stupidly wrestled with Sergio Busquets, while Andres Iniesta completed the win.

Nesta bemoaned the decision, claiming he was the victim of a foul by Carles Puyol, though he admitted Messi was the difference between the sides.